The old perception that “soccer” can’t make it in America will surely be put to an end after the World Cup.
This year’s edition of the World Cup is being hosted in the United States, Mexico and Canada across a total of 16 venues.
11 of those venues are within the United States, mostly in redesigned NFL stadiums that have undergone certain changes to make them more soccer-friendly.
Those stadiums, which are already blowing Europeans football fans’ minds, have already hosted some iconic moments in the early days of the tournament.
Kylian Mbappe’s brace that made him France’s all-time record goalscorer and Lionel Messi’s sensational hat-trick against Algeria in his 200th appearance for Argentina.
Off the field, soccer fans have taken over cities, and even ballparks, with Scotland’s Tartan Army in full force at Fenway Park.
All of this has gotten American fans on the edge of their seat, with many only now just realizing how incredible soccer is.
“I’m kinda annoyed that I wasn’t into soccer earlier in life. I feel like I missed out on greatness,” one American fan said on social media.
“The World Cup has converted me to a full time fan,” a second added. “This might get me into soccer permanently, this is absolute cinema bro,” a third commented.
Also read: Messi Rewrites World Cup Record Books with Crushing Hat-Trick vs Algeria
“I’ve been watching the World Cup and uhh… idk soccer is really cool,” another added.
The USMNT success ignites hype in the country.
The three-goal margin of victory was the United States’ largest at a World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1930.
Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half to become the first American with two goals in a World Cup fixture.
As things continue, the 2026 World Cup won’t just be remembered as a historic tournament, but the exact moment soccer finally conquered the American sports landscape.
