Soccer’s Rising Popularity in the United States

Soccer has achieved a significant milestone in the United States, with a recent report from The Economist indicating that 10 percent of Americans now consider soccer their favorite sport. This development places soccer just ahead of baseball, which has traditionally been regarded as the nation’s pastime. Only American football and basketball enjoy higher popularity rankings.

American football remains the most favored sport in the country, with 37 percent of the population identifying it as their favorite, followed by basketball at 17 percent. Soccer ranks third, while baseball, hockey, and mixed martial arts (MMA) follow behind.

According to data from Ampere Analysis, the percentage of fans declaring their favorite sport in the U.S. as of Q4 2024 is as follows: American football (36%), basketball (17%), soccer (10%), baseball (9%), ice hockey (4%), tennis (3%), boxing/MMA (3%), and golf (2%).

The rise of soccer in the U.S. is closely linked to the development of Major League Soccer (MLS). Established in 1993, in alignment with the U.S. hosting of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, MLS commenced its inaugural season in 1996. Since then, the league has expanded from 10 teams to 30, encompassing both the U.S. and Canada.

This expansion has been bolstered by the influx of international stars and heightened investments in infrastructure and youth development programs, allowing soccer to solidify its status as a significant player in the North American sports arena and an increasingly important league on the global sports stage.

Looking ahead, MLS is set to commence its 2026 season on February 21, while the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) will begin its new season on March 13. Additionally, the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 11.