During the first World Cup hosted by the United States in 1994, few Americans understood the game of soccer, or football as it's known to the rest of the world. But today, all eyes are on the 2026 World Cup , which is expected to be the defining sporting event that will reshape the landscape of North American football. Experts believe that this edition, coupled with a strong showing from the US national team, should be a pivotal turning point, establishing Major League Soccer (MLS) as a true force in the global football arena.
Historical context: From 1994 to hosting the 2026 World Cup
To understand the magnitude of this transformation, one must go back to 1994 when FIFA awarded the United States the hosting rights on one crucial condition: the creation of a top-tier professional men's league. It was a leap into the unknown, but it resulted in the birth of Major League Soccer (MLS). Today, the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will feature 48 teams for the first time in the tournament's history, reflecting the tremendous development in infrastructure and the growing popularity of the game in the region.
American ambitions go beyond honorary participation
Alexi Lalas, the former defender with the red beard and hair who shone in the 1994 World Cup and is now an analyst for Fox Sports, insists that “it’s no longer acceptable to settle for modest expectations.” He adds, “The infrastructure we’ve built since 1994 has allowed us to develop better players. Anything less than reaching the Round of 16 will ultimately be a failure.” Former midfielder and current analyst Stu Holden seems more ambitious, stating, “We expect this generation to reach the quarterfinals.” It's worth noting that since first hosting the World Cup, the US national team has only reached this stage once, in 2002.
Expected impact: local, regional, and international dimensions
The impact of the upcoming tournament extends far beyond the sporting realm, encompassing economic and social dimensions. Locally, the tournament will spur investment in youth academies and stadium development. Regionally, it will bolster the dominance and growth of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). Internationally, the tournament's success will position the American market as the premier destination for global sponsors and major European clubs seeking to expand their fan base.
The American league and attracting 100 million followers
Over three decades, the American league has grown and attracted global stars such as England's David Beckham, France's Thierry Henry, Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and of course, the Argentine legend Lionel Messi in 2023. The first round of matches of the current season witnessed the attendance of more than 387,000 spectators, a record number that reflects the growing passion for the game.
Bettina Garibaldi, marketing and communications director for the New York/New Jersey World Cup organizing committee, points out that “football is actually the third most popular sport in the United States, ahead of baseball.” Nuria Tarri, marketing director for Manchester City and the City Football Group, supports this view, stating, “There are already 100 million people interested in football in the United States, and around 32 million say they follow Manchester City.” She adds that the biggest business bet is converting casual World Cup fans into committed supporters of local clubs.
Inspiring Generations: From Women's Football to Youth Academies
During the 1994 World Cup, Americans began to take an interest in a sport they had long neglected, and a wave of enthusiasm swept through school and university training programs. Five years later, the women's national team delivered something more lasting when they won their second World Cup title (and their first on home soil) in 1999, culminating in Brandy Chastain's iconic celebration. Two-time World Cup winner Carli Lloyd believes that "the measure of this team's success will be its ability to inspire the nation.".
Talent development: The need for a star factory
Despite the enthusiasm, former international Jozy Altidore remains more realistic, pointing out that “training centers abroad are stronger.” He cites Barcelona’s La Masia academy, saying, “It’s like a factory: Messi leaves, Lamine Djamel arrives. It’s not a coincidence.” While American stars like Weston McKennie, Tanner Tesman, and Joe Scully started their careers in America, their talents were honed in Europe, as was the case with Christian Pulisic at AC Milan, Foulard Balogun at Monaco, and Timothy Weah at Juventus.
Altidore concludes by emphasizing the need for a comprehensive policy that includes fundamental investments in equipment and coach development, and challenging young players rather than overprotecting them, because “this is the only way to discover what makes you a standout player.”.
