The Women of the World Cup, 2006

A look back at Playboy's very own World Cup team.

Classics June 10, 2026
Top row (left to right): Anna Star (Russia), Pani Lee (Korea), Oana Bercaru (Romania), Maja Herdoman (Croatia). **Middle row (left to right): Natasha Kozakova (Ukraine), Ophelie Marie (France), Christina Linehan (Japan), Olga Urashova (Netherlands), Andrea Parolo (Mexico). **Bottom row (left to right): Hajnalka Hornyák aka Dundika (Hungary), Kate D’Arcy (England), Estela Pereira (Brasil), Tiffany Selby (USA), Janine Habeck (Germany).

In 2006, the World Cup converged on Germany, where 32 teams competed for the title. As usual, Americans were sort of aloof about the whole thing, while the rest of the world went wild for the games. “If only they would try to wrap their heads around the beauty of a truly global excuse to yell, drink beer and watch sports over breakfast, during work and into the wee hours, maybe they would overcome their reluctance and embrace an idea of universal partying,” the magazine wrote at the time.

In an effort to inspire Americans to the sport, Playboy assembled its own World Cup team, bringing together 14 “all-star beauties” to represent Playboy in the big event. “Think of them as Playboy’s World Soccer Team,” the magazine urged. “Admit it: You like this sport more already.”

In honor of this year’s World Cup in North America, here’s our tribute to soccer from 20 years ago.

Top row (left to right): Anna Star (Russia), Pani Lee (Korea), Oana Bercaru (Romania), Maja Herdoman (Croatia). Middle row (left to right): Natasha Kozakova (Ukraine), Ophelie Marie (France), Christina Linehan (Japan), Olga Urashova (Netherlands), Andrea Parolo (Mexico). Bottom row (left to right): Hajnalka Hornyák aka Dundika (Hungary), Kate D’Arcy (England), Estela Pereira (Brasil), Tiffany Selby (USA), Janine Habeck (Germany).

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