CHICAGO (June 18, 2018) – Former U.S. Men’s National Team defender and National Soccer Hall of Famer Walter Bahr has passed away. He was 91.
The last surviving member of the USA’s 1950 FIFA World Cup team, Bahr appeared in all three of the team’s matches in Brazil and famously provided the pass to Joe Gaetjens for the lone goal in the team’s 1-0 upset of England on June 29, 1950, in Belo Horizonte. He served as captain in the final group game against Chile.
“We are all saddened by the loss of Walter Bahr, a true legend in soccer in the United States,” U.S. Soccer President Carlos Cordeiro said. “His contribution to one of the most iconic moments in U.S. Soccer history was only part of a lifetime of selfless contributions to the game. As a coach, a mentor, a friend, and a colleague, Walter touched the lives of so many people in our sport, ensuring a legacy that will last for generations. Our thoughts are with his family and all those who were impacted by this extraordinary man.”
- READ MORE: Walter Bahr Recalls the 1950 FIFA World Cup
A member of the 1948 Summer Olympic team, Bahr went on to amass 19 caps and one goal during his nine-year international career. Bahr, along with teammate Harry Keough, became the first U.S. players to appear in qualifiers for three different FIFA World Cups (1950, 1954 and 1958).
Bahr, along with the entire 1950 World Cup team, was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1976.