Denver’s failed bid to host World Cup games doesn’t mean the Front Range is without a rooting interest. 

Even before the club was founded in 1995, the Colorado Rapids have been represented in some form at almost every World Cup since 1990. 

This year, the club will have one current player and a few former players representing various countries competing in the 48-team field beginning Thursday.

Here are some of the most notable current and former Rapids players to appear in the World Cup:

Marcelo Balboa, defender, United States (1990, 1994, 1998)

A Rapids icon, Balboa was also a fixture for the USMNT in the 1990s, appearing in all three World Cups in the decade, including the 1998 tournament during his tenure in Colorado. All over the Rapids record book, Balboa is also top 10 all-time in World Cup appearances for the U.S. and was one of the first players to appear in three World cups for the country. 

Carlos Valderrama, midfielder, Colombia (1990, 1994, 1998)

While he made only 39 appearances across two seasons for the Rapids at the end of his storied career, Valderrama is still one of the most recognizable players to ever wear the shirt. Regarded as one of the best Colombian players, he was his country’s captain at all three World Cups in which he participated, finishing his international career with 111 appearances.

Pablo Mastroeni, midfielder, United State (2002, 2006)

Arguably the definitive Rapids player over the last 30 years, no one has started or appeared in more games for the club than Mastroeni, who was the first player to have his number retired by the club in 2021. He made his first World Cup appearance in 2002, where he was a breakout star during the team’s run to the quarterfinals, still the longest in U.S. history. 

Tim Howard, goalkeeper, United States (2010, 2014)

Another player whose Rapids tenure came at the end of his career, Howard remains one of the most decorated and recognizable players to represent the United States. No goalkeeper has more appearances in USMNT history and Howard played a big role in a pair of trips to the knockout stages in 2010 and 2014, later joining the Rapids for four seasons from 2016-19.

Kyle Beckerman, midfielder, United States (2014)

The talented defensive midfielder spent a large chunk of his early MLS career with the Rapids, still ranking in the top 10 in club history in minutes played. He rose to prominence as a member of the USMNT while with Real Salt Lake, making the 2014 World Cup roster and starting all three group games, helping the U.S. finish second and advance out of an extremely difficult group. 

Lucas Herrington, defender, Australia (2026)

It’s been a meteoric rise in 2026 for Herrington, who will become one of a few active Rapids players to appear in a World Cup. The 18-year-old will be one of the youngest players in the tournament and will face the U.S. as part of Group D, but this is a deserved call-up for a player who has started and played every minute at center back for Colorado this season. He could feature heavily for the Socceroos this summer.

Auston Trusty, defender, United State (2026)

Trusty is one of three former Rapids players who will play at this year’s World Cup as he was one of the final additions to the U.S. roster as a likely reserve defender for Mauricio Pochettino’s team. Trusty made over 50 appearances for the Rapids from 2019-22, during which he was sold to Arsenal. Most recently, he helped Celtic win the Scottish Premiership this season.