In a nation where the term "soccer" once felt out of place amidst the dominion of American football, basketball, and baseball, the sport has since carved out a remarkable reputation for itself in modern-day America, tracing back to the 19th century. US Soccer is a story of how quickly the popularity of sports can grow and spread. It started with small games against other countries early on. However, the sport’s popularity has grown exponentially throughout the states — especially in Washington and Maryland — with a massive fan base of over 85 million people who love watching and playing soccer.
This article explains the origins of soccer in the USA and how it evolved into the sport we all know today.
Back In The Early Days
The soccer journey in the USA kicked off in 1888 with a groundbreaking game against Canada in Newark, New Jersey. This wasn't just any match; it was one of the first times countries outside the British Isles went head-to-head in soccer. This significant moment showed that soccer could become a part of American sports culture, creating enough excitement to increase the sport's popularity in the country.
Fast forward to the early 20th century, when the USA made noise on the international stage at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics. The American team bagged silver and bronze medals in soccer. Looking back, this signified the country's potential in the sport. These Olympic medals were a big deal because they showed that the USA could compete in soccer internationally, even though the sport was still finding its footing in the country.
These early successes set the stage for an even more significant moment in 1930 when the USA's soccer team achieved an impressive feat by finishing third in the first FIFA World Cup held in Uruguay. This was a monumental achievement not just for American soccer but for American sports in general. Securing a third-place finish in the world's premiere soccer tournament announced the USA as a serious contender in the sport on the global stage. This early taste of success in international competitions hinted at the potential for soccer to grow and become a significant part of the American sports landscape, inspiring future generations of players and fans.
A Moment of Glory and the Wilderness Years
The 1950 World Cup in Brazil etched a memorable chapter when the USA defeated England in a stunning upset. Yet, this victory was not a harbinger of immediate success; it heralded a prolonged period of obscurity for soccer in the USA, with nearly four decades elapsing before another World Cup qualification.
NASL: A Glimmer of Hope That Faded
In the 1970s, The North American Soccer League (NASL), despite attracting global icons like Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer, struggled to find a sustainable business model that worked in the long term. This was due to wrestling with high player salaries, inconsistent attendance, and a lack of television revenue — all crucial for a sports league's survival. This short-lived hope reflected the broader challenges of embedding soccer within the American sports psyche at the time.
Renaissance and the 1994 World Cup
Hosting the 1994 World Cup catalyzed soccer's resurgence in the USA. Preceded by qualification for the 1990 World Cup, this event marked a turning point, reintroducing soccer to the mainstream American sports scene.
The USA's performance in 1994 — reaching the round of 16 — reignited interest in the sport, laying the groundwork for its current popularity. This event also set a record for the highest attendance in World Cup history.
CONCACAF Dominance and World Cup Journeys
The subsequent years saw the USA cementing its stature in regional soccer, clinching the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 1991 and making notable appearances in the Copa América. The 2002 World Cup remains a highlight, with the team reaching the quarter-finals. However, the journey has been punctuated by setbacks, including the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, underscoring the fluctuating fortunes of soccer in the USA.
Major League Soccer
Since its inception in 1996, Major League Soccer (MLS) has been instrumental in developing and popularizing soccer across the United States. With the league's expansion to new cities and the construction of soccer-specific stadiums, MLS has created a sustainable ecosystem for the sport's growth. The league's success in attracting international stars and nurturing homegrown talent has significantly raised the profile of American soccer, both domestically and internationally.
Women's Soccer
The USA's women's soccer team has competed on the global stage and dominated it. With four World Cup titles and four Olympic gold medals, the United States women's national soccer team (USWNT) has set the standard for excellence in women's soccer. Their success has brought attention to the women's league and played a crucial role in advocating for gender equality in sports, inspiring countless young girls to pursue their soccer dreams.
Youth Soccer
Youth soccer in the USA is the backbone of the sport's future, with millions of children participating in leagues nationwide. This grassroots movement is essential for developing the next generation of soccer talent.
Investment in youth academies, coaching education, and infrastructure is steadily increasing, promising a bright future for American soccer as it continues to nurture talent that can compete on the world stage.
Looking Ahead As Soccer Continues To Thrive
Today, with the USA poised to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, soccer in the US is more popular than ever. The sport's burgeoning fan base and the spirited performance in the Qatar World Cup signal soccer's firmly established place in American Sports, with big games drawing huge crowds, TV coverage, and even sports betting, as many fans bet on matches via BETMGM Sportsbook. As the USA gears up for 2026, the anticipation is heavy, with soccer set to captivate the nation's imagination like never before.
