Soccer has overtaken baseball to become the third most popular sport among American sports fans, highlighting the continued growth of the world’s game in the United States.
According to recent market research, American football remains comfortably the nation’s favorite sport, but soccer has now edged ahead of what has been coined “America’s Pastime”. The findings reflect changing viewing habits, greater access to international competitions and the success of domestic leagues in attracting new supporters.
Perhaps there is a bit of recency bias with the World Cup having just ended in the States, but it’s still notable nonetheless. Let’s dive in.
American Football Still Leads The Way
Despite the rise of other sports, American football continues to dominate the US sporting landscape with more than a third of fans naming it as their favorite.
The research ranked the most popular sports among American fans as follows:
- American Football – 36%
- Basketball – 17%
- Soccer – 10%
- Baseball – 9%
- Ice Hockey – 4%
- Tennis – 3%
- Boxing – 3%
American football commands a 36% share, more than double that of basketball, which sits comfortably in second place on 17%.
Soccer Overtakes Baseball
Perhaps the biggest talking point from the research is soccer moving ahead of baseball.
Soccer now accounts for 10% of fan interest compared with baseball’s 9%, underlining the sport’s growing influence in a country where Major League Soccer has expanded significantly over the past two decades.
The popularity of Europe’s biggest domestic leagues, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and major international tournaments, has made soccer easier than ever for American audiences to follow. This has also increased the number of people betting on Premier League games.
Streaming services and extensive television coverage have also helped bring elite football into millions of homes across the country.
Baseball remains deeply rooted in American culture, but younger audiences have increasingly embraced faster-paced sports and competitions with a stronger global presence.
Basketball Continues To Thrive
Basketball remains America’s second most popular sport, claiming 17% of fan support.
The NBA’s global appeal, superstar players and year-round media coverage continue to attract both domestic and international audiences. The league has also benefited from a strong social media presence, helping engage younger generations of fans. This is especially true for any rumors involving superstar movement, which continues at an all-time high pace over the last few months.
Ice Hockey, Tennis And Boxing Retain Loyal Followings
While they sit some way behind the leading four sports, ice hockey, tennis and boxing continue to enjoy dedicated fan bases.
Ice hockey accounts for 4% of supporters, while both tennis and boxing receive a 3% share. Although these sports may not command the same nationwide audiences as American football or basketball, marquee events such as the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Grand Slam tournaments and world title boxing bouts continue to generate significant interest.
The 2026 World Cup Could Fuel Soccer’s Growth
Soccer’s rise may not be over yet.
The successful staging of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States has introduced millions more Americans to the sport and generated unprecedented levels of interest. Packed stadiums, extensive media coverage and strong attendances throughout the tournament have demonstrated the appetite for elite international football.
Many analysts believe the tournament could provide a lasting legacy, encouraging more supporters to follow Major League Soccer while also increasing interest in Europe’s biggest leagues and international competitions.
If that momentum continues, soccer could further strengthen its position as America’s third most popular sport and potentially narrow the gap on basketball in the years ahead, cementing its place as one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.
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