The United States’ men's national soccer team was eliminated from the World Cup after a 4-1 loss to Belgium on Monday night in Seattle, bringing an end to the country’s tournament run. Despite the defeat, soccer in the United States is experiencing significant growth, with increased participation and a rising profile for the sport nationwide.

The 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. is co-hosting, has already shattered records for viewership and attendance. Monday’s match averaged 30 million viewers on Fox, the highest English-language World Cup telecast in U.S. history, with an additional 12 million watching on Telemundo in Spanish. Attendance across the first 72 matches in 16 host cities surpassed the record set in 1994, with 4.6 million spectators compared to 3.5 million three decades ago.

Major League Soccer (MLS), the top men’s professional league founded in 1996, has steadily increased its attendance, with an average of nearly 22,000 per game last year. This compares favorably to established American sports leagues, though still below the National Football League’s average of about 70,000. Soccer maintains strong youth involvement; in 2025, approximately 16.8 million children ages six and older played outdoor soccer, with overall indoor and outdoor participation reaching 25.5 million, making it the third-largest team sport in the country. Recent growth rates, at nearly 16 percent year-over-year, indicate soccer’s increasing appeal across genders and age groups.

Don Garber, MLS commissioner, emphasized that while the World Cup has elevated the sport’s profile, sustained growth depends on the league’s future development. MLS plans to align its season with international schedules by shifting to a fall-to-spring calendar in 2027 and is exploring competitive structures such as promotion and relegation to enhance its global standing. Garber acknowledged the need for the league to capture the momentum generated by the World Cup to establish itself among the world’s elite competitions.

However, some former players and analysts remain critical of MLS’s contribution to the national team’s progress. Eric Wynalda, a former U.S. international, argued that MLS’s approach—such as signing aging stars late in their careers and maintaining relatively modest payrolls—limits the league’s ability to develop top-level talent. He suggested the league treats itself more as entertainment rather than a system that nurtures players for international competition.

The World Cup also brought attention to the U.S. team beyond the field, with a dispute over a red card for forward Florian Balogun drawing international scrutiny after intervention from then-President Donald Trump. This incident sparked debate and headlines, further increasing visibility for American soccer.

The current enthusiasm among fans reflects a growing belief that soccer is becoming deeply rooted in American culture. Players like Giovanni Reyna noted the unprecedented national interest, with mainstream sports media devoting significant coverage to the tournament. At the grassroots level, supporters see the World Cup inspiring a new generation. Attendees at the Seattle match expressed optimism that the event will help cement soccer’s place alongside more traditionally dominant American sports.

Looking ahead, officials and stakeholders hope to build on the tournament’s success to elevate both MLS and the U.S. national teams. While the men’s team aims to compete more consistently on the world stage, the nation’s well-established women’s program continues to set a high standard. With investments in youth development, broadcast partnerships, and increased public engagement, the trajectory for soccer in the U.S. suggests continued growth and an expanding role in the country’s sporting landscape.