Looking Back at Soccer’s History in the U.S.
The journey of soccer in the United States spans over 120 years, yet there have been limited opportunities to reflect on that history. With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, now is a prime time to do just that. Recently, SB Nation teamed up with Vox Creative and Roku to release Soccer Meets America, a three-part documentary that dives into the growth of soccer in the U.S.
Soccer Meets America traces the sport’s incredible rise in popularity, from the North American Soccer League of the 70s and 80s to pivotal events like the 1984 Olympics and the 1994 World Cup. Central to this narrative is Alan Rosenberg, who served as the soccer commissioner for the 1984 Olympics, headed the U.S. Soccer Federation from 1990 to 1998, and was the CEO of the 1994 World Cup. He also played a significant role in establishing Major League Soccer, introducing women’s soccer to the Olympic program in 1996, and bringing the 1999 Women’s World Cup to the U.S.
Rosenberg recently authored a book titled The Big Bounce: The Surge That Shaped the Future of U.S. Soccer. In this book, he provides insights into the evolution of American soccer, highlighting its chaotic beginnings with disorganized leagues to today’s thriving competitions like Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League, and the United Soccer League. He shares his experiences from hosting the 1984 Olympic soccer tournament, winning the bid for the 1994 World Cup, and building a federation to successfully promote these games. In a recent conversation with USA Soccercast, he emphasized that soccer’s increasing popularity can’t be attributed to one specific event; rather, it’s the result of ongoing momentum.
“American soccer has steadily progressed since we started in 1990,” Rosenberg mentioned during an interview, reflecting on past milestones. “We had glimpses of its potential back in the 70s with teams like the Cosmos, but it wasn’t until we established a strong federation that the momentum began to build. There wasn’t just one moment of realization; it was more of a gradual unfolding.”
Soccer Meets America explores the unique and sometimes unexpected journey of professional soccer in America, weaving together stories that highlight how chance, resilience, and community efforts contributed to its growth long before it gained mainstream appeal. Each episode dives into the sport’s deep connections with immigrant communities from the 1920s onward, blending personal and professional perspectives. The series showcases notable figures within American soccer and aspires to resonate with both new fans and longtime supporters.
Looking ahead, the 2026 World Cup promises to be a different event compared to 1994. “We have a different starting point now,” Rothenberg pointed out. “We began from virtually nothing back then, but now we’re at a much more developed stage, perhaps around level 60 or 75. While the immediate impact might not mirror what we saw after 1994, I believe interest in the sport will continue to grow significantly across the board.”
To foster growth, it’s essential to learn from the past. Soccer Meets America invites viewers to reflect on the history of soccer in the U.S. and reinforces the foundation upon which the culture and passion for the sport have been built. As the World Cup nears, this understanding will be crucial for establishing a legacy that endures long after the event concludes.
