Soccer Popularity Is Rising in the USA Ahead of the World Cup

Soccer's popularity in the United States is experiencing a significant surge as the nation prepares to host two major international tournaments: the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This growth is evident across various facets of the sport, from professional leagues to grassroots participation.

Major League Soccer (MLS) Expansion and Influence

Since its inception in 1996, Major League Soccer (MLS) has transformed from a fledgling league into a prominent fixture in the American sports landscape. The league has expanded to 30 teams, with recent additions like San Diego FC in 2025, making it the largest first-division professional soccer league globally by number of clubs. Average match attendance has surpassed 20,000 per game, placing MLS third among U.S. sports leagues in this metric, behind only the NFL and MLB.

The arrival of global superstar Lionel Messi to Inter Miami in 2023 has further elevated the league’s profile. Messi’s presence has led to a significant uptick in sponsorship deals, with brands like Adidas and Michelob Ultra increasing their involvement. Stadium attendances have reached record highs, and the league anticipates continued growth leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

Youth and Grassroots Development

Youth soccer participation in the U.S. has grown exponentially over the past few decades. From just 100,000 players in 1967, the number soared to over 4 million by 1984, with continued growth since then. This grassroots development has been instrumental in cultivating a new generation of soccer fans and players, providing a solid foundation for the sport’s future in the country.

Women’s Soccer on the Rise

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is experiencing substantial growth, with plans to expand to 16 teams by 2026. The league’s relocation of its headquarters to Midtown Manhattan reflects its increasing operational scale. Additionally, new teams like the Denver NWSL club, set to debut in 2026, highlight the league’s continued momentum and broadening geographic reach.

Hosting Global Tournaments: A Catalyst for Growth

The United States is set to host the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 and co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 alongside Canada and Mexico. These events are expected to attract millions of fans and generate substantial economic activity. FIFA President Gianni Infantino projects that the 2026 World Cup could produce $50 billion in economic output and create nearly 300,000 jobs. These tournaments are expected to further elevate soccer’s popularity and infrastructure in the U.S.

Changing Demographics and Viewership Trends

Soccer's growth in the U.S. is also reflected in shifting demographics and viewership patterns. The sport is increasingly popular among younger, more diverse, and tech-savvy audiences. Notably, female viewership is rising, Liga MX, for example, reports that 42% of its audience is female, reshaping traditional perceptions of the sport’s fan base.

Conclusion

The convergence of league expansion, grassroots participation, women's soccer momentum, and upcoming global tournaments positions soccer for unprecedented growth in the United States. As the nation prepares for the 2025 and 2026 FIFA events, soccer is poised to cement its place as a major sport in America, potentially rivaling the traditional giants like football, basketball, and baseball.