Soccer Rises to Third Most Popular Sport in the United States, Surpassing Baseball
- Jonathan Turner
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
Soccer has officially climbed into the top three most popular sports in the United States, surpassing baseball in overall fan preference, according to new data cited by The Economist.
The report, based on Q4 2024 research from Ampere Analysis, shows that 10% of Americans now identify soccer as their favorite sport, narrowly edging out baseball and confirming the sport’s continued growth nationwide.
American football remains the clear No. 1 sport in the country, followed by basketball at No. 2. Soccer now sits comfortably in third place, ahead of traditional staples such as baseball, ice hockey, tennis, golf, and combat sports.
A Shift Years in the Making
Soccer’s rise reflects long-term trends rather than a sudden spike. Increased youth participation, expansion of professional leagues like Major League Soccer, the growth of international club fandom, and consistent success of U.S. national teams have all played a role.
The United States’ hosting of major international tournaments — including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup — has further fueled interest, particularly among younger and more diverse audiences.
Baseball Slips as Soccer Gains Ground
While baseball remains deeply rooted in American sports culture, the data highlights a changing landscape. Soccer’s global accessibility, year-round calendar, and strong digital presence have helped it gain traction at a faster pace than many legacy sports.
According to the findings, soccer now ranks ahead of baseball not just in participation, but in self-declared favorite sport status, a key indicator of fan engagement.
What This Means for the Future
Soccer’s position as the third most popular sport in the U.S. signals continued momentum heading into the second half of the decade. With rising media coverage, improved domestic infrastructure, and increasing visibility at all levels of the game, the sport’s footprint is expected to grow even further.
As American sports preferences continue to evolve, soccer’s place among the nation’s top-tier sports now appears firmly established.
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