The Evolution of U.S. Soccer: From Underdogs to Contenders
From hosting the 1994 World Cup to co-hosting 2026, how soccer in the United States grew from a niche sport into a serious force.
For much of the 20th century, soccer was a niche sport in the United States. Today it is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with a thriving domestic league, a dominant women's national team and a starring role as co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The turning point: 1994
Hosting the 1994 World Cup introduced millions of Americans to the global game and led directly to the founding of Major League Soccer, which played its first season in 1996.
The women's dynasty
The U.S. women's national team has been the benchmark of the international game, winning four World Cups (1991, 1999, 2015 and 2019) and multiple Olympic gold medals, most recently at Paris 2024 under head coach Emma Hayes.
The men's progress
The men's team reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002 and has developed a generation of players at top European clubs. Mauricio Pochettino's appointment as head coach in 2024 signalled ambition ahead of a home World Cup.
MLS and the Messi effect
Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami in 2023 brought unprecedented global attention to MLS, boosting attendance, broadcast interest and the league's profile abroad.
2026 and beyond
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted with Canada and Mexico and expanded to 48 teams, is the biggest opportunity yet to grow the game in North America.
