How Much Soccer Will the United States See in the Next Two Years?

Soccer in the United States: A Growing Passion

The connection between the United States and soccer has been a topic of discussion for many years, and it seems to be on the brink of blossoming into a collective passion among the American populace.
The MLS (Major League Soccer) has made significant strides in terms of competitiveness and appeal to players, successfully showcasing talent that moves to Europe after developing in the U.S., rather than the other way around, especially during the twilight of their careers.

Despite these advancements, the general sentiment is that soccer in the U.S.
has a solid foundation but lacks widespread and uniform popularity.
However, the upcoming international soccer events scheduled over the next two years in the U.S.
might play a crucial role in expanding soccer’s reach and allure.
To ensure nothing is left out, the U.S.
has secured top-level competitions at both club and national team levels.

The Inaugural Club World Cup

Next summer, the United States will host the inaugural edition of the newly minted FIFA Club World Cup, spearheaded by FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino.
This tournament is set for June and July 2025, featuring 32 teams from across the globe competing for soccer’s ultimate crown.
This competition will include the best teams from all six international confederations: AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA.
Italy will be represented by giants Inter and Juventus.

The tournament will span across twelve stadiums in the U.S.
and host 63 matches.
The finals will take place at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, with other venues including Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
This new tournament promises to offer record prize money, totaling $800 million, with an overall budget of $2 billion.
While the event has significant potential, there remain uncertainties surrounding its inaugural format and its timing after a busy European season.

World Cup 2026: A Historic Event

Fast forward a year, and during summer 2026, soccer will again take center stage in the U.S.
with the most significant event on the soccer calendar—the FIFA World Cup.
This major tournament will introduce a new format with 48 teams in the final stage.
The event will not only feature the U.S.
as a host but will also include Canada and Mexico, with cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York among the hosts.

FIFA President Infantino has expressed high expectations, referring to it as the biggest event and tournament the world has ever seen.
The anticipated economic impact is estimated at $11 billion leading up to the tournament, significantly surpassing the previous World Cup in Qatar.
The next two years hold significant financial prospects for U.S.
cities as soccer gains traction, setting the stage for monumental events, including the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.