
The World Cup’s Arrival in America: A Half‑Century Cultural Shift in Soccer
The 2026 World Cup marks the culmination of a decades‑long transformation that turned soccer from a niche pastime into a cornerstone of American culture.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Pelé across Soccer, Football.

The 2026 World Cup marks the culmination of a decades‑long transformation that turned soccer from a niche pastime into a cornerstone of American culture.

From a small newsletter in 1971 to a national platform, Soccer America tracked the growth of soccer in the United States, shaping its cultural footprint and inspiring a new generation of fans.

Five young players are emerging as the tournament’s most exciting storylines, joining a lineage of teenage legends who have previously reshaped football’s future.

A recent fan‑driven poll ranks the sport’s all‑time icons, with Lionel Messi topping the list. The rankings weigh team triumphs, individual honors and lasting impact, while notable shifts reveal how supporter opinion can rewrite football history.

A look at six rare soccer cards that have sold for hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars, highlighting market dynamics and global collector interest.

Exploring the rich tapestry of soccer history in Massachusetts, from the Oneida Football Club to World Cup legends and today's rising stars.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, veteran sports editor Hayden Bird shares his favorite soccer movies and shows, from 'The Damned United' to 'Sunderland 'Til I Die', and points readers to where they can stream them.

From bustling urban plazas to historic waterfronts, communities nationwide are gearing up to host viewing parties, exhibitions, and immersive experiences that bring the tournament to life beyond the stadium.

Lionel Messi's 2023 move to Inter Miami ignited a cultural shift in American soccer, blending on‑field brilliance with long‑term ownership ambitions and prompting league‑wide transformations.

Exploring how Pelé transcended sport to become a cultural touchstone, from his early triumphs with Santos to his diplomatic role on the world stage.

A look at the defining moments that have shaped football’s greatest stage, from historic upsets to individual masterpieces.

A look at the life, career and lasting influence of Franz Beckenbauer, the German legend whose elegance and ambition left an indelible mark on football.

Two new Netflix documentaries explore the rise, fall and recent struggles of the U.S. men’s soccer team, blending archival triumphs with contemporary setbacks to humanize the players fighting for respect.

Growing up in Brooklyn's Haitian enclave, the author watched the 1994 World Cup final with a mother who placed the game above church. Decades later, Haiti's return to the World Cup after 52 years sparks pride and anxiety, as the diaspora watches from afar while the nation battles gang violence and displacement.

The article reflects on family traditions, the historic qualification of Haiti’s national team, and the cultural resonance of the World Cup for Haitians living abroad.

On May 29, 2026, the U.S. Postal Service introduced a commemorative soccer stamp at the Boston World Exposition, linking the nation’s growing soccer culture with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Gerd Müller’s name still resonates in every discussion of football’s greatest strikers. From his lethal Bundesliga exploits to a World Cup‑winning moment that defined an era, his story remains a benchmark for future generations.

A new free exhibition in Mexico City will display over 15,000 football items, including Pelé’s crown and jerseys from 90 national teams, running from late March to August 2026.

From humble beginnings to World Cup glory, Garrincha's brilliance on the pitch contrasted with a turbulent off‑field life, leaving a complex legacy that still resonates in Brazil and beyond.

Clark and Dan Hunt share memories of their father Lamar Hunt, the sports tycoon who helped found professional soccer in the United States, and discuss the significance of Arrowhead Stadium as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

From early European trips to the roar of Arrowhead Stadium, the Hunt family’s soccer legacy comes full circle as the 2026 World Cup lands in Kansas City and Dallas.

Renowned soccer photographer Peter Robinson opens his exhibition 'The Saturday Man: At the Edge of the Game' at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in Glen Ellyn, showcasing 53 images that span his illustrious career.

Rover Group’s latest research highlights how pets are becoming integral to sports fandom, with anxiety, routine changes, and soccer‑inspired names all part of the picture.
Tom McGill swapped high‑finance for football culture when he opened D'Arcy's Tavern in Bradley Beach, turning a modest pub into a premier destination for soccer fans, complete with rare memorabilia and a growing community ahead of the 2026 World Cup.