Soccer reportedly surpasses baseball in the U.S. as the nation’s third most popular sport

Soccer has achieved a significant milestone in the United States. According to The Economist, 10 percent of Americans now say soccer is their favorite sport, placing it just ahead of baseball, which has traditionally been viewed as the national pastime. Just American football and basketball stand ahead of it in overall popularity.

American football continues to lead the way, with nearly 40 percent of Americans identifying it as their top sport. Basketball holds the second spot at roughly 20 percent.

Much of soccer’s rise has paralleled the development of Major League Soccer. Established in 1993 as part of the United States’ pledge to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, MLS began play in 1996 and has grown from 10 teams to 30 spanning the U.S. and Canada.

This growth, along with the signing of international stars and greater investment in facilities and youth programs, has strengthened soccer’s standing in North America and elevated MLS’s profile on the global stage.

What lies ahead for soccer in the United States?

MLS opens its 2026 season on Feb. 21, the NWSL begins its new campaign on March 13, and the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup starts on June 11.