Soccer, known as football outside the United States, has been growing in the country over the past few decades. Major League Soccer (MLS) is expanding, international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup draw millions of American viewers, and youth participation in soccer is booming. Yet, American football—dominated by the NFL—continues to be the most popular sport in the country. This raises the question: Will soccer ever overtake football in popularity in the USA? While soccer’s momentum is undeniable, there are opportunities and challenges in surpassing football as the nation’s favorite sport.
Soccer’s Rapid Growth in the USA
Soccer has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. MLS, which started with just ten teams in 1996, now boasts 30 franchises with more expansion on the horizon. The league has attracted global stars like David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and Zlatan Ibrahimović, helping raise its profile. Additionally, the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams have earned respect on the global stage. The U.S. women’s team has become a powerhouse, winning four FIFA World Cups.
Youth participation in soccer is another significant factor. Many American children play soccer in school or club leagues, giving the sport a broad support base. Soccer also appeals to a more diverse audience, particularly among immigrant communities, who bring their love for the sport from soccer-rich regions like Latin America, Europe, and Africa.
The Cultural Dominance of American Football
Despite soccer’s growth, American football remains deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural fabric. The NFL is the most popular and profitable sports league in the USA, with the Super Bowl attracting over 100 million viewers annually. College football is also popular, with passionate fan bases and traditions dating back over a century.
Football’s appeal lies in its history and structure—games are shorter and feature high-intensity plays, making them more suited to the American appetite for fast-paced entertainment. Moreover, the NFL’s dominance in media coverage ensures that football remains at the center of the American sports conversation year-round.
Challenges and Opportunities for Soccer
Several challenges need to be addressed for soccer to surpass football. One key issue is the game format and viewer engagement. Soccer matches are 90 minutes long with minimal commercial breaks, making it harder for broadcasters to generate ad revenue compared to the stop-and-go nature of football games.
Another hurdle is the need for more star power among American soccer players. While international players bring attention to the MLS, the absence of homegrown superstars limits the sport’s connection to local fans. Additionally, soccer struggles to gain coverage from mainstream sports media, still dominated by football, basketball, and baseball.
However, soccer has significant opportunities on the horizon. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to generate massive interest. The event could be a tipping point, attracting new fans and solidifying soccer’s place in American sports culture. Furthermore, the health risks associated with football, particularly concerning concussions and long-term injuries, have led some parents to steer their children toward safer sports like soccer.
Conclusion
While soccer’s popularity in the USA grows, overtaking football will not happen overnight. Football’s cultural dominance, deep-rooted traditions, and powerful media presence present significant obstacles. However, the tide is slowly turning, especially among younger audiences and immigrant communities embracing soccer. Events like the 2026 World Cup and the arrival of global stars in the MLS could further boost soccer’s standing.
Ultimately, while soccer may take longer to overtake football, it is becoming a force to be reckoned with. With time, changing demographics, and shifts in sports preferences, soccer might one day rival—if not surpass—football as America’s favorite game.
