Why the U.S. keeps underperforming in men’s soccer

Thirty-two years after hosting the 1994 World Cup, the United States is again preparing for a home tournament in 2026, but its men’s national team still has only one run past the round of 16 in eight World Cups, and it failed to qualify for 2018. The contrast is striking: MLS has grown into one of the strongest leagues outside Europe, stadium attendance and TV numbers are strong, and the women’s team is an Olympic champion and ranked second in the world.

The article argues that one major reason is money. Former players and coaches say elite youth soccer in the U.S. is too expensive, from $500 trips for away games before lodging to annual club fees that can reach thousands of dollars, making the sport inaccessible for many lower-income families. Jürgen Klopp, now Red Bull’s head of football, said, “The most talented footballers in the world do not come from the richest areas,” adding that “the motivation is essential.” Clint Dempsey said his family went into debt to support his career, and Tim Howard said the U.S. cannot produce world champions while sorting people by class.

A second explanation is cultural and gender-based. Soccer in the U.S. became strongly associated with girls and women, helped by the later arrival of the sport and by equal-opportunity policies that opened many sports to women. Psychologist Rachel Allison said that in Europe soccer is linked with masculinity, but in America women embraced it as their own, while boys gravitated toward basketball, football, and other sports. The article suggests that even talented boys may avoid soccer because it is seen as less masculine.

There is also a talent pipeline problem. U.S. players often leave for Europe late, stay in smaller clubs, or are kept away by college and career considerations. Christian Pulisic said Americans are often dismissed, noting, “If there is a 50/50 chance, they choose the non-American player.” Weston McKennie said the bias against Americans is real. With only 13 of 26 U.S. squad players in top European leagues, the article concludes that a strong 2026 home World Cup could still change perceptions and draw many more Americans into the sport.