Can the World Cup Help Soccer Compete With the NFL or MLB?

Summary

Randall Williams examines whether the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America can elevate soccer's popularity and business in the US, where it currently trails the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. He compares MLS franchise valuations to international leagues, discusses challenges like youth player drift and top talent moving abroad, and suggests a strong US performance could create a virtuous cycle of interest, viewership, media rights, and team revenues.

• Soccer trails NFL, NBA, MLB and even NHL in US franchise valuations and popularity.
• The 2026 World Cup in North America is seen as a potential catalyst to change the sport's trajectory.
• MLS was founded in 1996 and lacks the multi-decade head start of the established major leagues.
• Youth soccer participation is high but drops off in high school, while Europe's academy systems develop young pros earlier.
• Star American players like Pulisic, McKennie, and Adams currently play for top European clubs for higher pay and competition.
• A strong World Cup run by the US could boost interest, viewership, media rights, and ultimately owner and player revenue.
• Some observers believe this World Cup represents a critical, perhaps last-chance moment for soccer to boom in America.