In 1994, Paul Kennedy transformed a Volkswagen Bug into a soccer-themed vehicle and followed the FIFA World Cup across the United States. The Bug — painted in classic soccer ball black and white, plastered with Snickers, JVC, and adidas — traveled thousands of miles and visited every host city.

Fans stopped. Players noticed. The Bug became legendary enough that U.S. National Team players signed their names directly on the car — including Alexi Lalas #22, who wrote "Paul, You Kick Ass!" on the hood.

The Bug became the symbol, but the real story was always the people, the friendships, and the love of the game.

What started as one unforgettable summer became a tradition. Paul Kennedy, Kevin Kennedy, Brian Kennedy, Kevin Ebbecke, and Kevin “Joy Boy” Kennedy carried the spirit of that original trip through tournaments in France, Korea/Japan, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, Russia, and Qatar.

Now, 32 years after the original 1994 journey, the Bug is coming back for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America.

Same spirit. Same friendships. Same love of the game.