Soccer in the United States, long considered a secondary sport, has experienced a gradual rise in popularity over the past few decades. The growth of Major League Soccer (MLS), the increasing visibility of the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams, and the sport’s expansion into American communities reflect the changing landscape of soccer in the U.S. However, despite this progress, the sport still faces significant challenges, including intense competition from more established American sports and systemic issues in youth development. Yet, soccer also stands on the cusp of substantial opportunities for growth, fueled by demographic changes, increased media exposure, and upcoming global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In this article, we will examine both the challenges and opportunities that shape the current state of soccer in the USA.
The Rise of Soccer in the U.S.
Soccer’s roots in the U.S. can be traced back to the late 19th century, but the sport struggled to gain mainstream traction for much of the 20th century. American football, basketball, and baseball dominated the sports landscape, with soccer often relegated to a niche following. The creation of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996 marked a pivotal moment for the sport, but the league faced early challenges, including low attendance, financial difficulties, and a lack of national attention. Over the years, however, MLS has grown, both in size and competitiveness, as the league expanded and improved its infrastructure.
A key factor in soccer’s rise has been the success of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). The USWNT’s dominance on the world stage, with four World Cup titles (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019), has been a point of national pride and a powerful driver for the sport, particularly among young girls. Icons like Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach, and Alex Morgan have become household names, inspiring future generations to embrace the sport.
The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) has also contributed to the sport’s popularity, though with more ups and downs. The 1994 FIFA World Cup, held in the U.S., helped spark widespread interest in the sport. Since then, the USMNT’s participation in international competitions, including the World Cup and the Gold Cup, has helped maintain soccer’s profile. The increasing presence of American players in top European leagues, like Christian Pulisic at Chelsea and Giovanni Reyna at Borussia Dortmund, has also enhanced soccer’s appeal among U.S. fans.
Challenges Facing Soccer in the U.S.
Despite these successes, soccer in the U.S. faces numerous challenges that prevent it from fully breaking into the mainstream.
- Competition with American Sports
One of the biggest obstacles to soccer’s growth is the dominance of American football, basketball, and baseball. These sports have deep cultural roots and are deeply embedded in American society. The NFL, NBA, and MLB generate billions of dollars in revenue, with a massive fan base that soccer has yet to match. High school and college football and basketball dominate local sports culture, and professional leagues like the NFL and NBA enjoy an unparalleled level of media coverage.Soccer, in contrast, is often seen as a “secondary” sport in many parts of the U.S., particularly in regions where American football reigns supreme. While soccer is immensely popular in urban centers like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, it still faces an uphill battle in more rural or football-centric areas.
- Youth Development System
The American youth soccer system has long been criticized for its elitism and lack of accessibility. While soccer is one of the most widely played youth sports in the U.S., participation is often skewed toward wealthier families who can afford to enroll their children in expensive club teams or travel leagues. This has led to a lack of representation from lower-income communities, resulting in a narrow talent pool.Additionally, there is no universally agreed-upon development pathway for players, with different clubs and academies offering varying levels of training. While there are elite academies like those of FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls, the system has been criticized for not producing enough homegrown players who can compete at the highest levels of professional soccer.
- Media Coverage and Popularity
Soccer still struggles to gain the same level of media coverage as American football or basketball. Television ratings for MLS and USMNT games often pale in comparison to those of NFL or NBA broadcasts. Additionally, the heavy reliance on international broadcasts (e.g., the English Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League) means that domestic leagues like MLS have not captured the same level of attention from American audiences. This discrepancy leaves American soccer to compete for fan loyalty with more established and widely televised sports. - Cultural Perception
Soccer is still often seen as a foreign sport in the U.S. While the national teams have gained traction, soccer fans in America often turn their attention to the powerhouses of European football, where the highest level of competition and the most famous players reside. American fans have grown accustomed to watching European leagues, creating a divide between MLS and global soccer. This divide is also apparent in the American soccer fan base, which often holds European football in higher regard than its domestic counterpart.
Opportunities for Growth
Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities for soccer to thrive in the U.S.
- Demographic Shifts and Immigration
The increasing diversity of the U.S. population is one of the key drivers of soccer’s growth. Immigrants from Latin America, Europe, and Africa, where soccer is the dominant sport, bring their passion for the game with them. This has created a larger and more enthusiastic fan base in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and New York, where communities have embraced soccer as part of their cultural identity. As the population continues to diversify, soccer’s growth is expected to accelerate.The rise of soccer’s popularity among younger generations, particularly in immigrant communities, is further proof that the sport has the potential to become a dominant force in American sports culture in the coming years.
- Increased Media Exposure
With the proliferation of digital streaming services and changing media consumption habits, soccer is gaining more exposure in the U.S. The growing presence of European leagues on platforms like ESPN+, Peacock, and Paramount+ has made international soccer more accessible than ever before. MLS has also begun to embrace digital platforms, reaching younger audiences through services like Apple TV+, which signed a broadcasting deal with MLS in 2023 to show all games globally.These shifts in how Americans consume sports could help make soccer more mainstream, providing the exposure necessary for the sport to thrive at the national level.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup
Perhaps the most significant opportunity for soccer’s growth in the U.S. is the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This will be the first time the U.S. hosts the tournament since 1994, and the event is expected to be a transformative moment for American soccer. The World Cup will bring global attention to the sport, as well as a wave of visitors and soccer fans to U.S. cities hosting matches. It could also provide a platform for the U.S. Men’s National Team to showcase its talent and establish itself as a competitive force on the world stage. - Investment and International Star Power
The increasing investment in MLS and the arrival of international stars have played a crucial role in growing soccer’s profile in the U.S. Players like David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Lionel Messi have helped raise the league’s profile by bringing a level of international flair to MLS. As the league continues to improve its infrastructure and attract high-caliber players, it could become an even more attractive destination for top global talent, further increasing its global appeal.
Conclusion
Soccer in the U.S. has come a long way, but it is clear that significant work remains in order for it to truly become a mainstream sport. While soccer faces challenges in competing with football, basketball, and baseball, there are ample opportunities for growth. With the right investment in youth development, increased media exposure, and the excitement of the 2026 World Cup, soccer in the U.S. is poised for continued success. The future of American soccer looks promising, and the sport may very well become a central part of the American sports culture in the years to come
