Soccer's popularity in the United States is experiencing a significant surge, marked by soaring attendance figures and television ratings that rival those of major American sports leagues. However, analysts are divided on whether this represents a lasting breakthrough moment for the sport in the U.S.

"It's gone from around the fringes to being mainstream in the sense that there is a strong minority group of people that love it - that's the biggest difference," said Jeff Schneider, executive director of the Center for Sports, Entertainment, Media & Technology Law at the University of Southern California (USC). He noted that while soccer is gaining traction, it may not reach the same level of cultural saturation as American football or basketball due to their longer established history and rise during a different media era.

Despite these reservations, the sport has solidified a dedicated fan base that actively watches and plays, a number that continues to grow. A significant driver of this expansion is youth participation. Steve Bank, an expert in sports law at the University of California Los Angeles School of Law, observes that soccer is increasingly filling a void left by declining participation in American football, partly due to concerns over concussions.

IMAGE2 Supporters of USA are seen prior to 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group D match between USA and Paraguay at SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Stadium) in Los Angeles on 12 June 2026. (Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The potential for further growth is closely tied to the national team's performance. A strong showing, particularly in upcoming crucial matches, could significantly boost the sport's profile. The team's trajectory is under increased scrutiny, with recent events, such as the controversial rescinding of a red card, drawing attention.

The foundations for soccer's current growth were laid 30 years ago with the launch of Major League Soccer (MLS) as part of the U.S. bid to host the 1994 World Cup. The league has since expanded to 30 teams across the U.S. and Canada and now features global superstar Lionel Messi.

IMAGE8 Folarin Balogun celebrates

However, the most significant viewership draws for American fans remain top European leagues like the English Premier League and Spain's La Liga. Their popularity has fueled a sharp increase in spending on soccer media rights, making the U.S. the largest foreign market for these major European competitions. Recent surveys indicate that soccer has edged out baseball as the third favorite sport among Americans, with 10% of the population identifying it as their preferred sport.