Why soccer has gained so much popularity in the U.S.

A Yahoo Sports article published July 8, 2026 explores why soccer has surged in popularity in the United States over the past decade, drawing on a viral Reddit thread from the r/ussoccer community. Fans cite a combination of factors including more accessible streaming broadcasts, the growth of MLS, widespread soccer video games, and the arrival of international stars. The piece was prompted by the ongoing 2026 World Cup, which has highlighted that soccer fandom in the U.S. is no longer a niche interest.