USA, Mexico, and Canada: The Complex Relationship with Soccer

In the United States, soccer (known as football in most of the world) occupies a unique and often overshadowed position among the nation’s major sports. While American football, baseball, and basketball dominate the cultural landscape, soccer has carved out a dedicated following, particularly in recent decades. Canada, similarly, has long prioritized hockey as its national sport, but soccer is gaining traction. Mexico, by contrast, has a deep-rooted passion for soccer, with the sport deeply embedded in its national identity. This article explores the distinct roles soccer plays in each of these three countries, examining its popularity, institutional structures, and cultural significance.

The United States: A Growing but Shadowed Sport

In the United States, soccer has historically struggled to compete with the likes of American football, basketball, and baseball. However, the sport has seen significant growth, driven by the success of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, the expansion of Major League Soccer (MLS), and the increasing influence of global soccer culture.

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) has been a cornerstone of the sport’s growth. With four FIFA World Cup titles (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019) and multiple Olympic gold medals, the team has inspired a generation of fans. The 2019 World Cup final, which drew over 23 million viewers in the U.S., remains one of the most-watched soccer matches in American history. This success has translated into commercial success, with the USWNT’s recent collective bargaining agreement setting a new standard for player compensation and visibility.

Major League Soccer, founded in 1996, has expanded from 10 teams to 29 as of 2023, with franchises in cities ranging from Los Angeles to Nashville. While the league’s attendance and revenue still lag behind the NFL, NBA, and MLB, it has grown steadily. The 2022 MLS Cup final, which attracted over 25,000 fans to the stadium and millions more on television, highlighted the league’s increasing appeal. Additionally, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) has made a resurgence, reaching the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals and demonstrating the potential for domestic growth.

Despite these advancements, soccer still faces challenges. The sport’s scheduling often conflicts with the dominance of other leagues, and its cultural footprint remains smaller compared to the “Big Four” sports. However, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is expected to further elevate the sport’s profile in the region.

Canada: Hockey’s Shadow and Soccer’s Ascent

In Canada, hockey is the undisputed king of sports. The National Hockey League (NHL) and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) dominate media coverage and fan engagement. However, soccer has been steadily growing, bolstered by the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and the performance of the Canadian Men’s and Women’s National Teams.

The Canadian Premier League, launched in 2019, is the top-tier professional soccer league in the country. With 10 teams across major cities, the CPL has attracted growing fanbases and investment. The 2023 CPL Championship, won by CF Montréal, showcased the league’s competitive depth and its role in developing homegrown talent. The league’s emphasis on community engagement and youth development has helped cultivate a new generation of soccer fans.

The Canadian Men’s National Team (CMNT) has also made strides, qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986. The team’s performance, including a historic win over Croatia in the group stage, demonstrated the potential for Canadian soccer on the global stage. Similarly, the Canadian Women’s National Team (CWNT) has been a consistent force in international competitions, reaching the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinals and winning the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship.

Despite these achievements, soccer in Canada remains a secondary sport. The 202