The 2026 World Cup is already stirring conversation about whether the tournament can cement soccer’s place in the American sports landscape.
Alan Rothenberg, who oversaw the 1994 edition that put the United States on the global soccer map, argues that the upcoming edition will be a watershed moment for the sport’s popularity.
Infrastructure Fuels the Future
The growth of MLS Next, the U.S. Soccer National Training Center and other development pathways reflects a deliberate effort to build a stronger domestic pipeline, a factor Rothenberg points to as evidence of soccer’s rising appeal.
Record television ratings for the United States‑Belgium match and the prospect of new streaming deals illustrate how the sport is beginning to capture a broader audience.
Even though the U.S. men’s national team fell short of expectations in recent competitions, the tournament has succeeded in drawing millions of new fans into the fold.