Soccer's Popularity in the U.S. Has Grown Significantly Since Hosting the 1994 World Cup
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The 1994 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, set a record attendance that still stands and marked a turning point for the sport's popularity in the country. Since then, Major League Soccer (MLS) has expanded, and soccer has surpassed baseball to become the third most popular sport in America. The upcoming 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Facts First
- The 1994 FIFA World Cup set a record attendance of over 3.5 million people, which remains the largest in FIFA history.
- Major League Soccer (MLS) launched in 1996 and has grown from 10 original teams to 30 clubs, attracting stars like David Beckham and Lionel Messi.
- Soccer is now the third most popular sport in America, surpassing baseball, according to Ampere Analysis.
- The U.S. men's national team has qualified for every World Cup since 1994, except for 2018.
- The upcoming 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
What Happened
The 1994 FIFA World Cup was the first tournament held in the United States. It opened with a match in Chicago attended by approximately 63,000 spectators, including then-President Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey. The tournament drew over 3.5 million total attendees, a record that still stands. The U.S. men's national team tied Switzerland and defeated Colombia, marking its first World Cup win since 1950. Major League Soccer (MLS) launched two years later in 1996.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a sports fan, you may notice soccer's increased visibility and the growing number of professional teams as MLS has expanded from 10 to 30 clubs. The sport's rising popularity means you are likely to see more games broadcast and discussed. The upcoming 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, could bring major international sporting events to a city near you.
What's Next
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. This event is likely to further boost interest in soccer across North America. The continued growth of MLS and the sustained performance of the U.S. men's national team could solidify soccer's place in the American sports landscape.