Thursday, 9 May 2024

The Best Soccer Cities in the U.S.

In a country known for its passion for American football, basketball, and baseball, soccer has been steadily gaining popularity. But where are the best soccer cities in the U.S.? According to a recent study by WalletHub, Los Angeles takes the crown as the top soccer city in America. Let’s explore the top 10 cities and what makes them so special.

where is soccer most popular in the us

The Top 10 Soccer Cities in the U.S.

  1. Los Angeles, California
  2. Seattle, Washington
  3. Portland, Oregon
  4. Orlando, Florida
  5. Kansas City, Missouri
  6. Washington, D.C.
  7. New York, NY
  8. Atlanta, Georgia
  9. Salt Lake City, Utah
  10. St. Paul, Minnesota

The study evaluated 294 U.S. cities based on five levels of competitive soccer: Major League Soccer (MLS), National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), United Soccer League (USL), and men’s and women’s Division I college soccer. The criteria included factors such as team performance, championships, fan engagement, stadium capacity, and more.

Los Angeles secured the top spot due to its vibrant soccer culture and multiple teams across different leagues. With two MLS teams (LAFC and LA Galaxy), an NWSL team (Angel City FC), a USL team (Orange County SC), and a men’s and women’s Division I college soccer team (UCLA), there is no shortage of action for soccer enthusiasts in the City of Angels.

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Interestingly, half of the cities in the top 10 have been selected by FIFA to host World Cup games in 2026. These cities include Los Angeles, Seattle, Kansas City, New York, and Atlanta. This distinction further highlights their commitment to developing and promoting the sport.

Mid-Sized Soccer Cities

The study also recognized the best mid-sized and small soccer cities in the U.S. Here are the top 10 mid-sized soccer cities:

  1. Orlando, Florida
  2. Salt Lake City, Utah
  3. Cary, North Carolina
  4. Kansas City, Kansas
  5. Charleston, South Carolina
  6. Hartford, Connecticut
  7. Birmingham, Alabama
  8. Irvine, California
  9. St. Petersburg, Florida
  10. Providence, Rhode Island

Small Soccer Cities

And here are the top 10 small soccer cities:

  1. Edinburg, Texas
  2. Clemson, South Carolina
  3. Leesburg, Virginia
  4. Buies Creek, North Carolina
  5. Charlottesville, Virginia
  6. Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  7. Seaside, California
  8. State College, Pennsylvania
  9. West Long Branch, New Jersey
  10. Bloomington, Indiana

These rankings provide a well-rounded view of the soccer landscape across cities of different sizes, showcasing the growth and enthusiasm for the sport nationwide.

FAQs

Q: How were these cities ranked?
A: The study evaluated cities based on various criteria such as team performance, championships, fan engagement, stadium capacity, and more.

Q: Is soccer gaining popularity in the U.S.?
A: Yes, soccer has been steadily growing in popularity in the U.S., and these rankings reflect the increasing interest and investment in the sport.

Q: Are there any cities not included in the rankings?
A: The study included 294 cities with at least one team in the evaluated leagues. However, cities without teams were not considered.

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Conclusion

The soccer landscape in the U.S. is evolving, with cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland leading the way. The study by WalletHub provides valuable insights into the best soccer cities across the country. Whether you’re a fan of MLS, NWSL, or college soccer, there are thriving communities and exciting matches to enjoy. Check out Pesstatsdatabase for more information on the world of soccer.