Feature photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images
By Kayden Hicks
Soccer has always been known as the most popular sport in the world, but in the United States, it has not always been treated that way. Growing up playing soccer, I have seen firsthand how the sport is often overlooked compared to football and basketball. However, things are starting to change.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to North America, soccer in the United States is growing faster than ever. This moment is bigger than just a tournament; it is an opportunity.
Soccer’s popularity in the United States has already been increasing over the past few years. According to reports from organizations like FIFA, soccer participation among youth players continues to rise across the country.
Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen steady growth in attendance, viewership, and overall interest. More young athletes are choosing soccer, and more fans are watching it than ever before. This shows that the sport is no longer just “up and coming,” it is here, growing.
The 2026 World Cup will bring unprecedented attention to soccer in the United States. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, meaning millions of fans from around the world will be watching games played on American soil.
This kind of exposure can completely change how people view the sport. It inspires young players, brings more money into the game, and creates new opportunities for athletes. Events like the World Cup are not just about winning games; they are about growing the sport globally and locally.
However, even with all this growth, soccer in the United States still faces major problems. One of the biggest issues is the “pay-to-play” system, where many young athletes have to spend thousands of dollars just to compete at a high level.
This limits opportunities for talented players who may not have the financial resources to afford club teams or travel expenses. While other countries focus on developing talent through academies, the U.S. system often makes it harder for players to reach their full potential. If the country really wants to compete on the world stage, this system needs to change.
As someone who plays soccer and trains consistently, I see both the progress and the problems. Balancing training, school, and work is not easy, but it shows how much dedication the sport requires.
There are many athletes like me who are working every day to improve and chase opportunities in soccer. The growth of the sport gives us hope, but we also need better support systems to take that next step. The World Cup coming to the U.S. should not just be about watching games; it should be about creating more opportunities for players.
The United States has a rare opportunity in front of it, as the 2026 World Cup will bring attention, money, and excitement to soccer across the country.
If the U.S. does not invest in youth development, improve access to the sport, and support its players, this moment could be wasted. Soccer is growing, and the world is watching. Now is the time for the United States to take advantage of it and build a stronger future for the sport.