Story Published:
Feb 8, 2011 at 11:16 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Feb 19, 2011 at 6:42 PM CDT
Few truths can be said to be ubiquitous across the entire United States. However, the American love of sports crosses state lines and at times defines our nation. WE embrace football, basketball, baseball, and even hockey. These “major” sports all have multibillion dollar sports leagues. Soccer, on the other hand, remains a step below the other four major sports. The MLS (soccer’s equivalent to the NFL, NBA, etc.) continues to struggle to become profitable. Hosting a World Cup would catapult soccer into the mainstream sports world.
When the United States hosted the World Cup in 1994, the games were heavily attended; it’s attendance of 3.6 million was the most in history. The MLS was formed two years after the Cup, hoping to ride the immense wave of soccer’s popularity to success. Unfortunately, the league never gained similar supports, most likely due to the lack of premier players. If the United States hosted another World Cup, the buildup would bolster support for the MLS for several years prior to the Cup, providing a somewhat mainstream following.
Another benefit of an American World Cup would be the added cultivation of talented youth players to strengthen the national team. The extensive youth development system already in place would only stand to gain enthusiasm and attention. Years down the road, this infusion of quality players could bring the status of American soccer in general from a European joke to a legitimate powerhouse.
