Why isn't the U.S. better at soccer?

4 hours ago

The U.S. men's soccer team has historically underperformed compared to expectations based on factors like economy and FIFA membership, with early promise in the 1930s followed by a decline post-WWII.
Competition from American football, baseball, and basketball has diverted athletic talent and focus away from soccer, while soccer's reputation as an 'immigrant game' has led to fluctuating success tied to immigration levels.
The MLS has grown but lacks the national prominence and financial clout of top European leagues, with a centralized, risk-averse structure that limits player investment and global competitiveness.
The U.S. team benefits from home-field advantage, with 75% of matches since 2015 played at home, which inflates FIFA rankings but could aid performance in the 2026 World Cup hosted in North America.
Despite increased player valuations and more Americans in European leagues, the team struggles against top-tier opponents and faces challenges in cohesion due to split development pipelines between MLS and Europe.

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