American soccer is no longer insignificant. Critics often emphasize, though, that it is still in the puberty stage. Others, however, say it is on the right path to becoming a global superpower like France or Argentina. Here’s what the truth looks like based on facts.
How does MLS compare to other US sports?
Major League Soccer (MLS) has grown significantly in popularity since its founding in 1996 and is now firmly established as the top professional soccer league in the United States. However, when compared to other major sports leagues in the US, its popularity is still generally behind the “big four” American sports: NFL (football), NBA (basketball), MLB (baseball), and NHL (ice hockey).
Attendance and viewership
- MLS average attendance is strong and, in some markets, matches or even exceeds that of NHL and NBA games. Teams like Atlanta United, Seattle Sounders, and LAFC regularly draw large crowds.
- National media viewership for MLS fixtures is growing but still lags behind the NFL, NBA, MLB, and college football/basketball, which dominate US sports broadcasting.
The MLS fan base
- MLS has a diverse and urban fan base, with strong support in cities with large immigrant populations and vibrant soccer cultures (e.g., Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, and New York).
- Soccer’s popularity is especially high among younger generations, which bodes well for future growth.
Media coverage and sponsorship
- MLS receives more media attention than ever before, but coverage is still not as extensive as the NFL, NBA, or MLB.
- Sponsorship and broadcast deals have grown, especially with new streaming partnerships, constant livescore updates, and the arrival of international stars (e.g., Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami).
Cultural and grassroots growth
- Soccer is the most-played youth sport in the US, feeding long-term interest in MLS.
- The league benefits from growing Hispanic and international communities, who bring a passion for soccer.
- The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, is expected to further boost MLS’s profile and popularity.
Comparison to other leagues
- The NFL remains the undisputed king in terms of TV ratings, attendance, and revenue.
- The NBA and MLB also have much larger domestic and global audiences.
- MLS is competitive with the NHL in some cities for attendance and local support, but hockey’s national TV ratings are generally higher.
MLS is experiencing steady and impressive growth and is more popular than ever, particularly among young and diverse audiences. While it still trails behind the NFL, NBA, and MLB in national prominence and viewership, it is closing the gap in certain markets and has a very promising future, especially with the momentum building toward the 2026 World Cup. The league’s popularity is expected to continue rising in the coming years.
Can the US national soccer team be like Les Tricolores?
The growing popularity of soccer definitely improves the odds of America becoming a real-deal superpower like the French national team (Les Tricolores). But a true superpower status requires a confluence of structural, cultural, and competitive factors that go far beyond fan enthusiasm alone. Below is a layered analysis that looks at the key ingredients, where the United States currently stands, and what would still need to happen for the USMNT to join the ranks of perennial global contenders such as Brazil, Germany, Spain, France, or Argentina.
Elite‑level player development
Current reality: Only a handful of U.S. players regularly start for elite European clubs (e.g., Christian Pulisic at Chelsea, Gio Reyna at PSV, and Tyler Wright at Leeds United). The majority of top‑tier MLS players are still domestically developed but rarely break into the Champions League.
What’s needed: A systematic pathway that moves the best talents to Europe at ages 16–19, while ensuring they receive regular first‑team minutes. This may involve stronger partnerships with European clubs, loan structures, and a cultural shift that embraces early overseas moves.
Tactical and technical maturity
Current reality: U.S. teams often display athleticism and fitness but can lag in nuanced tactical discipline and ball control under pressure—areas traditionally honed in European academies.
What’s needed: Wider adoption of possession‑based, high‑pressing philosophies at youth levels, coupled with exposure to varied tactical systems (e.g., Mediterranean, South American). Coaching curricula must emphasize decision‑making and technical refinement from the earliest ages.
Consistency in major tournaments
Current reality: The USMNT has qualified for every World Cup since 1990, but knockout‑stage exits are common (Round of 16 in 2010 and 2014; group‑stage exit in 2018). The team has dominated CONCACAF but rarely faces the depth of competition found in UEFA or CONMEBOL.
What’s needed: Regular high‑stakes matches against top‑ranked nations outside of friendlies—e.g., participation in the UEFA Nations League format, more frequent friendlies against top‑10 teams, and perhaps integration into a “European‑style” qualification group.
The American national team can excel in these areas without being a “superpower.” The Netherlands, for example, historically produced great players but hasn’t won a World Cup. To be called a superpower, the USMNT would need sustained excellence across most of these dimensions.