America’s Beautiful Game: The State of Soccer One Year Before the World Cup
It begins in stillness.
A city sleeps while the kettle hisses softly in a Chicago apartment. A man, coffee in hand and remote within reach, takes his seat before the soft light of a screen.
Chelsea and Liverpool are minutes from kickoff in the Premier League. AC Milan will follow, the stage for Christian Pulisic’s bursts down the flank and Yunus Musah’s drives from midfield. Later, there will be a glimpse of Gio Reyna in the Bundesliga before the evening settles into the hum of an MLS crowd under American floodlights.
This is not an occasional indulgence. It is the new rhythm of the American football weekend, global in scope, deliberate in devotion. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup only a year away, it tells a story about how far the game has come.
From Curiosity to Cultivation: The 1994 Baseline
In 1994, the United States hosted a World Cup that many believed might fall flat. Football lived mostly in immigrant neighborhoods and scattered youth leagues. The NASL’s glamorous chapter had closed, and television offered little beyond the occasional delayed broadcast.
The tournament surprised the world with full stadiums and genuine excitement. Yet it was a spark, not a blaze. Major League Soccer began in 1996, carrying the sport forward with patience and persistence, relying on the occasional marquee name to draw attention.
Today the picture is entirely different. Over 50 million Americans watched non-USA international matches in 2024, a 60 percent leap since 2018. MLS has grown into a 30-club league drawing more than 11 million fans each year. European football is no longer an imported spectacle. It is part of the nation’s sporting fabric.
The Modern American Football Gentleman
Unlike the fan of the NFL or NBA, the American football aficionado is international by instinct. His weekend might begin in Manchester, travel through Milan, pause in Munich, and conclude in Miami.
The Premier League remains the most watched competition, yet the viewing palate has broadened. Serie A has grown by 23.5 percent, fueled by refined broadcasts and the influence of U.S. players. LaLiga has risen by 22.1 percent, captivating with its artistry. The Bundesliga is up 13 percent, benefiting from opportunities for young American talent. Liga MX, while still culturally vital, now shares attention even among its most loyal Hispanic supporters.
This is multi-league soccer fandom, and it is uniquely American.
Regional Signatures of Passion
The United States is not one football market. It is many.
In the South Atlantic region, Atlanta United’s record MLS crowds and Miami’s Messi-fueled nights speak to a rich blend of Caribbean, South American, African, and European heritage.
On the Pacific coast, Southern California remains a stronghold for Liga MX, while Seattle embraces the Premier League and coastal cities cultivate followings for Asian leagues.
In the West South Central region, Texas leads a surge in European league viewership, with LaLiga up 120.8 percent, Serie A up 82.6 percent, and Champions League up 69.5 percent. Dallas and Houston are poised to become fortress venues during the 2026 tournament.
The Domestic–International Loop
MLS has grown 57 percent in viewership since 2018, with attendance climbing steadily and international credibility increasing. Unlike other American sports, domestic and global football do not compete here. They strengthen one another. Supporting your local club deepens the desire to follow Real Madrid, AC Milan, or Bayern Munich.
The World Cup Returns
In 1994, fans came to see the spectacle.
In 2026, they will arrive with knowledge. They will understand Spain’s press, Italy’s defensive mastery, Germany’s youth systems, and Argentina’s magic. Many will hold tickets not for their home country, but for the teams whose footballing philosophy they have admired for years.
Challenges in the Shadows
Two obstacles remain.
First, cultural competition. Football still shares the stage with the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Continued growth will require a distinctly American way of celebrating the global game.
Second, the pay-to-play system. This structural flaw keeps many young talents from elite pathways. Until opportunity is free from financial barriers, the United States will not produce the grassroots depth found in Europe or South America.
A Gentleman’s Opportunity
At TENLEGEND®, we believe America’s rise should not be measured solely in trophies or attendance, but in the way it plays the game. The great number 10s — Pelé, Maradona, Platini, Zidane — paired artistry with humility, creativity with respect.
If America’s football future embraces that ethos, its ascent will be not just successful, but beautiful.
The Year Before the Whistle
One year from now, the whistle will sound and the World Cup will begin.
In Chicago, a kettle will hiss and a man will settle into his chair for the first match.
In Atlanta, streets will pulse with chants. In Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, and Seattle, the beautiful game will belong to everyone.
For those who have always believed this day would come, it will be more than vindication. It will be proof that America has learned not only to play the world’s game, but to honor it.
Be a TENLEGEND®.