For decades, soccer has often been labeled a “second-tier sport” in the United States, overshadowed by legacy giants like American football, basketball, and baseball. But a shifting landscape over the past decade has carved out a permanent, growing space for the beautiful game on American soil — and fans are adamant that this rise is not a passing fad.
In a series of on-the-ground conversations with soccer supporters across the country, BBC correspondent Nardine Saad captured the widespread conviction that the sport’s growing popularity is here to stay. From packed youth soccer academies in suburban communities to sell-out crowds for Major League Soccer (MLS) matches and international friendlies, the signs of growth are impossible to miss.
Interviews with long-time fans and new converts alike highlight the multiple forces driving this momentum. Generational shift plays a key role: millions of American children now grow up playing recreational and competitive soccer, creating a built-in fan base that carries that passion into adulthood. The influx of global soccer stars moving to MLS in recent years — from David Beckham’s groundbreaking move to LA Galaxy that opened the door to Lionel Messi’s blockbuster transfer to Inter Miami in 2023 — has also catapulted the sport into mainstream American media attention, drawing casual viewers and new diehard fans.
Fans also point to changing viewing habits, with more American sports audiences seeking out fast-paced, continuous-action sports that differ from the stop-start structure of American football. For many young fans, soccer’s global connectivity also offers a way to engage with international culture, with many following both European top leagues and their local MLS teams.
Across all conversations, a consistent theme emerged: this is not a temporary spike in interest. Supporters say the infrastructure, fan base, and cultural traction are all in place to cement soccer as a core part of the American sports landscape for generations to come.