Soccer’s Rise in the US: 2026 World Cup and MLS Growth
Alexander Hack, a German footballer who played for the New York Red Bulls in the Major League Soccer (MLS) from January 2025 to February 2026, described the U.S. soccer landscape as one of “positive development” despite its status as a secondary sport. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has amplified interest in the game, with Hack noting that public attention and media coverage surge during national team matches. “Soccer is not the number one sport in the U.S., but it’s developing very positively,” he said.
The MLS, founded in 1996, has seen professionalization, new clubs, and modern stadiums, though it remains behind American football, basketball, and hockey in popularity. Hack observed that younger generations in New York frequently play soccer, a trend he attributed to the league’s growth. However, U.S. soccer still lags in viewership and economic influence compared to the NBA, NFL, and NHL.
Despite this, the arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami has drawn additional attention to U.S. soccer. Hack, who also attended NFL, NBA, and NHL games during his time in New York, acknowledged the unique cultural emphasis on “spectacle” in American sports. He described the MLS’s pre-game rituals, which include 15–20 minutes of on-field entertainment, as “a bit annoying” but part of the local culture.
Currently playing for FC Zürich in Switzerland, Hack follows the 2026 World Cup with interest. He praised Livano Comencencia, a teammate at FC Zürich who scored Curacao’s first goal in the tournament, and expressed support for Germany while favoring France as a World Cup contender. He also criticized FIFA’s high ticket prices, arguing that the event risks becoming “an elitist event” rather than a community-driven celebration.
Did You Know? The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to be co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Expert Insight: The 2026 World Cup could act as a catalyst for soccer’s growth in the U.S., similar to how the 1994 tournament boosted the sport’s profile. However, sustained success will depend on addressing disparities in revenue and media coverage compared to other major leagues.
The U.S. soccer market faces challenges in competing with established sports, but Hack’s experience highlights a gradual shift. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the focus remains on whether this event can solidify soccer’s place in the national sports identity.
What factors could determine whether the 2026 World Cup transforms soccer’s status in the U.S.?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for U.S. soccer?
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has increased visibility for soccer in the U.S., with heightened media attention and public interest during national team matches.
How has the MLS evolved since its founding in 1996?
The MLS has professionalized, with new clubs, modern stadiums, and increased fan engagement, though it remains behind other major U.S. sports leagues in popularity and financial influence.
What did Alexander Hack observe about American sports culture?
Hack noted that U.S. sports emphasize “spectacle,” including pre-game entertainment, and that American football, basketball, and hockey dominate the national sports landscape.