A New Era for Soccer in America
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will open its doors in Mexico, marking the first time the tournament’s opening match is staged on Mexican soil. Organizers have positioned the event as a celebration that transcends borders, drawing fans from every continent and underscoring soccer’s expanding global footprint.
In the United States, the sport’s momentum has reached a tipping point. Recent surveys show soccer now ranks as the third most popular sport, edging past baseball and hockey, a shift that reflects changing viewing habits and a younger, more diverse fan base.
Organizers anticipate selling roughly 6.5 million tickets, a figure that would set new records for attendance and revenue. The projection comes despite past challenges related to infrastructure and scheduling, which Jordan believes the sport has now overcome.
Simon Jordan, a former Premier League club owner, offers a candid assessment of the tournament’s potential. He notes that the combination of historic venues, heightened media coverage, and a growing grassroots presence creates a fertile environment for the World Cup to exceed expectations.
Jordan’s optimism is rooted in both personal experience and broader industry trends. He points to the increasing number of U.S. youth teams, the rise of domestic leagues, and the expanding digital audience as evidence that soccer’s ascent is more than a fleeting trend.