<p>In the history of soccer in the United States, this country will never again have a period of five years where there are so many major competitions hosted on US soil. But will soccer make it or break it during this golden era?</p>



<p>From 2024-2028, the United States will host <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america-tv-schedule/">Copa América 2024</a>, followed by the brand-new 32-team 2025 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/club-world-cup-tv-schedule-streaming-links/">FIFA Club World Cup</a>. The expanded 48-team FIFA <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">World Cup</a> will come to North America in 2026. And starting the following year, in 2027, it’s the women’s turn with the USA and Mexico potentially sharing hosting duties with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-world-cup-tv-schedule/">Women’s World Cup</a>. In 2028, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/olympics-soccer-schedule-and-tv-guide/">Olympic Games</a> will be in Los Angeles, where soccer will be one of the many celebrated sports.</p>



<p>This absolute feast of high-quality soccer is unlike anything the USA has ever seen. If the next five years don’t finally push soccer into the mainstream American consciousness, nothing can. Right?</p>



<h2>Soccer extravaganza comes after decades of growth</h2>



<p>In a way, these marquee events being staged Stateside can be attributed as a reward for the way the game has improved here over the past thirty years.</p>



<p>There is certainly some truth to that. But in reality, the more substantial reason is that the USA is a massive market, with millions of fans (and local governments) that have money to spend. FIFA, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, and the IOC must be rubbing their hands together, with dollar signs popping out of their eyes like a cartoon character, when anticipating the next couple of years.</p>



<p>With as many as five consecutive summers of huge events, the soccer hype train will be running at full steam ahead. There’ll be little time for a lull when one tournament ends since the next will be right around the corner.</p>



<p>And this in theory can be the moment where soccer finally cements its place amongst the major sports in America.</p>



<p>Yes – astounding progress has been made since the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/06/11/turning-point-for-american-soccer-world-cup-usa-94/">1994 World Cup</a>. We have passionate fanbases for dozens of professional clubs. Arguably the best player in the world – ever – currently plies his trade here. The national teams as as well supported and relevant as ever. Overseas soccer like the EPL and Champions League are wildly popular. And Liga MX remains the biggest soccer draw overall on US TV. </p>



<p>But the sport still often finds itself largely irrelevant in many places in the US. Even in cities that have professional teams, it can often be backpage news behind things like the NFL, NBA, NASCAR, and so on. </p>



<h2>A new era? Or just another flash in the pan?</h2>



<p>We’ve had brushes with soccer hysteria in the past. There was a brief flirtation with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/150-years-of-us-soccer-history-20221106-WST-406135.html">popularity in the 1920s</a>. The fleeting glitz and glamour of Pelé’s NASL in the 1970s. And the madness that took over the country in 1994 and during subsequent World Cup tournaments. But it’s never truly stuck.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1280" height="715" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/16052050/SoccerUS-1280x715.webp" alt="Soccer in the US" class="wp-image-476101" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px"></figure></div></figure>



<p>When the final match is played at the trophy is lifted, it all changes. The casual fans put their flags and Uncle Sam hats away. And the game retracts back into its insular pockets for another few years. The Mexican and South American communities. Early-morning European fans. The hardcore supporters groups and season ticket holders of MLS, NWSL, and USL. But that’s it. </p>



<p>Soccer still does not draw consistent, casual interest from the general public and the media in America the way that gridiron football, baseball, basketball, and to a lesser extent, hockey do.</p>



<p>So does the cavalcade of footy that’s heading our way represent the tipping point? Somewhat surprisingly, I don’t think so.</p>



<p>The potential back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back marathon of prestige tournaments from 2024-28 will be insane, and a joy to take in, no doubt.</p>



<p>But at the end of the day, it’s still just a series of brief spectacles. When fall American football season rolls around in 2024 or 2026, is soccer going to make the evening news in Oklahoma City? Or San Francisco or Phoenix? Doubtful. </p>



<p>An American team going far, or even winning, any of these tournaments would certainly prolong the boost in interest. But the day-to-day, year-long reality of soccer in the USA isn’t going to change. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Is soccer GROWING or SHRINKING in the USA?" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RLDsFz2QxE8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>Still building</h2>



<p>When the bright lights fade from these tournaments, the fact is that the best soccer is still not played in the USA. With the (usually, anyway) exception of the women’s side with the USWNT and <a href="https://www.nwslsoccer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NWSL</a>, the top players and teams in the world don’t play here. This is in contrast to the other popular American pastimes.</p>



<p>We mustn’t view these major tournaments as the culmination of over a century of growing the game. The hard work must go on, to improve the game that goes on all year  – in all corners of the country. More pro clubs in more places, better organization, better facilities, higher pay, and addressing issues at the youth and collegiate levels are all important areas where the game has to continue to improve.</p>



<p>Don’t worry – the big-time events will still come around while we continue to shape the game in this country. The soccer powers that be can bank on the USA being a slam dunk money-maker for just about any major competition.</p>



<p>So let’s not pretend we’re getting anointed with a gold medal. This is not a “Mission Accomplished” moment. This is only the beginning. And in a way, that’s even more exciting.</p>



<p><em>Photos: Imago</em>.</p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Copa América 2024</h3>
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Here are some resources to get you ready for Copa!</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america-tv-schedule/"><strong>Copa América Schedule:</strong></a> Full schedule of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america-tv-schedule/">all games</a> for the 2024 tournament</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-pits-usa-against-uruguay-panama-and-bolivia-20231208-WST-475848.html"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We break down <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-pits-usa-against-uruguay-panama-and-bolivia-20231208-WST-475848.html">each Copa América group</a></div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-2024-bracket-free-download-20231208-WST-473617.html"><strong>Tournament Bracket:</strong></a> Track the action with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-2024-bracket-free-download-20231208-WST-473617.html">FREE printable Copa bracket</a></div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-copa-america-on-us-tv/"><strong>How to watch:</strong></a> Information on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-copa-america-on-us-tv/">where to find the games</a> on TV and streaming</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-to-stream-copa-america-2024-20240107-WST-481040.html"><strong>How to Stream</strong></a> Learn how you can <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-to-stream-copa-america-2024-20240107-WST-481040.html">stream Copa games</a> live in 2024</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-dates-20231127-WST-473122.html"><strong>Key Dates:</strong></a> Learn <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/copa-america-dates-20231127-WST-473122.html">All the important dates</a> to mark on your calendar</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2024-copa-america-to-be-hosted-in-united-states-20230127-WST-417271.html"><strong>Copa (United States of) América:</strong></a> South America&apos;s biggest tournament <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2024-copa-america-to-be-hosted-in-united-states-20230127-WST-417271.html">comes back to the USA</a></div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/biggest-soccer-events-in-2024-mark-your-calendars-20231025-WST-464504.html"><strong>2024 Soccer Calendar:</strong></a> Get the lowdown on what will be <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/biggest-soccer-events-in-2024-mark-your-calendars-20231025-WST-464504.html">a busy year in soccer</a></div>
</div>


Will soccer make it or break it in USA between 2024 and 2028?

This is a massive decade for the sport of soccer in the US. But will soccer make it or break it between 2024 and 2028?

Will soccer make it or break it in USA between 2024 and 2028? - World Soccer Talk

<p>The 2023 Women’s World Cup just wrapped up this past summer. But now eyes turn to the next edition of the premier women’s soccer event. Today is the final day for countries to submit their bids to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and one major entrant waited until the last moment.</p>



<h2>USA and Mexico propose joint bid, following 2026 men’s tournament</h2>



<p>On the very last day to submit, the United States and Mexico <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/12/us-soccer-mexican-football-federation-submit-bid-right-to-host-2027-fifa-womens-world-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">officially threw their hats in the ring</a> on Friday to become co-hosts of the 2027 event. </p>



<p>With the slogan of “New Heights” and a snazzy bid logo, the duo hopes to entice FIFA by utilizing the substantial infrastructure that will be built up from the year before at the 2026 men’s World Cup. The 2027 USA-Mexico bid logo features twin eagles – the Mexican golden eagle and American bald eagle. The central “27”, and the entire symbol, is a clever ambigram – it reads the same upside down. A quick graphic design sidebar: this logo is already miles better than anything that has been done for the 2026 World Cup. </p>



<p>The bid boasts that most of the venues will seat more than 65,000 fans. This indicates that the same major stadiums from ’26 will be preferred instead of smaller soccer-specific venues.</p>



<p>The USA, of course, has hosted two Women’s World Cups in the past – 1999 and 2003. 2003 was actually similar to the idea behind the 2027 bid, but for different reasons. A SARS outbreak in China forced FIFA to move that competition on short notice. And the US’s infrastructure made it an easy fit. This time it’s on purpose – to ride the hype from ’26 and the growth of the women’s game in North America to produce the biggest Women’s World Cup ever.</p>



<h2>Potential Host Cities</h2>



<p>The cities included in the dual bid are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, LA, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay, and Seattle. From Mexico, Guadalajara, León, Mexico City, Monterrey, and Querétaro are included. All of the US cities will also host games in 2026 at the men’s tournament. Only Kansas City has been left off from the 2026 roster of host sites. Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey will host in ’26, with León and Querétaro as the only new additions for 2027.</p>



<p>It’s surely to be an enticing possibility for FIFA. But the USA and Mexico are not alone in the race to host.</p>



<h2>Three bids in the running for 2027 World Cup</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1280" height="715" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/16052102/WWC2027_Bids-1-1280x715.webp" alt="2027 Women&apos;s World Cup" class="wp-image-476018" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px"></figure></div></figure>



<p>While they publically declared their intent months ago, the trio of Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39069261/germany-netherlands-belgium-submit-joint-bid-host-wwc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">officially sent in their bid book today</a> as well.</p>



<p>With a catchy slogan of “Breaking New Ground” – BNG for Belgium/Netherlands/Germany – these three will be hoping to bring the competition back to Europe. France recently hosted the 2019 edition, while Germany (2011) and Sweden (1995) have been solo hosts in the past.</p>



<p>The club game has exploded in Europe recently, with many major clubs increasing investment in the women’s game. The European bid will be hoping to tap into that wave of growth for sure.</p>



<p>The lone solo bid for the 2027 tournament is from Brazil. The Women’s World Cup has never been held in South America before. This gives Brazil a leg up in that department. FIFA has been keen to “grow the game” by bringing big events to new regions in the past. South America is certainly no stranger to football, but on the women’s side, they have lagged behind.</p>



<p>FIFA will commence with on-site inspections next February. On May 17, 2024, at the 74th FIFA Congress, it is expected that the 2027 Women’s World Cup host(s) will be named.</p>


2027 Women's World Cup bids come down to the wire

The USA & Mexico have officially thrown their hat into the ring to host the 2027 Women's World Cup. But they face some stiff competition.

2027 Women's World Cup bids come down to the wire - World Soccer Talk

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Will soccer make it or break it in USA between 2024 and 2028?

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2027 Women's World Cup bids come down to the wire

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Will soccer make it or break it in USA between 2024 and 2028?

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2027 Women's World Cup bids come down to the wire

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