US Football Evolves Since Hosting World Cup in 1994

US Soccer Federation Sees Significant Growth Since Last Hosting World Cup in 1994

Thirty-two years have passed since the United States last hosted the FIFA World Cup, a tournament that has undergone significant changes in its popularity and structure within the country. In 1994, when the US last hosted the event, the national team was composed of amateur players, and there was no professional league in place.

According to Sunil Gulati, former US Soccer President, the main concern at the time was selling tickets for the tournament. Despite this, the 1994 World Cup was successful, with a record attendance of 3.5 million spectators across all matches. The national team also made its first appearance in the last 16 since 1930, losing to Brazil.

Since then, football has become increasingly popular in the US, with Major League Soccer (MLS) thriving and the national team ranking 16th in the world by FIFA. Today, there are 127 professional teams sanctioned by the US Soccer Federation, comprising 102 men’s and 25 women’s teams.

The growth of MLS is evident, with 18 of the top 50 valued teams in the world now part of the league. The women’s team in Columbus recently sold for $205 million, demonstrating the increasing commercial interest in soccer leagues. Credit is given to FIFA President Joao Havelange, who recognized the importance of establishing a professional league in the US during his tenure.

The development of professional leagues has led to an increase in teams and attendance, with football-specific stadiums springing up across the country since 1999. The US Soccer Federation sanctions multiple divisions, including USL Division 2 and 3, which have further expanded the sport’s reach.

Source: Al Jazeera