Although beaten by basketball and American football in terms of viewership and fanbase,
soccer has slowly been gaining popularity in the United States, with increasing numbers of
fans adopting the sport in many states.

And even in the shadow of those sports, soccer has made a niche for itself, particularly
among younger fans who also follow the global soccer events.

So, let’s do a quick overview of the top five states where soccer has the most significant
following and which clubs they particularly like.

1. New Jersey

New Jersey ranks first on the list of states with the most interest in soccer. With a population
of around 9.3 million, it’s responsible for more than 174,500 soccer-related Google searches
every month, indicating a high interest in soccer.

It is the home of various professional teams, such as the New York Red Bulls and NJ/NY
Gotham FC. The Red Bulls have hosted famous players such as Thierry Henry and Bradley
Wright-Phillips on their team, attracting global attention to New Jersey’s soccer scene.

With this in mind, it’s clear why youth soccer leagues are thriving here, contributing to a new
generation of fans and players passionate about the game.

2. California

California is the second most soccer-crazy state, fueled by its enormous population of
approximately 39 million and a whopping 698,100 monthly searches for soccer content. The
state is home to several Major League Soccer teams, such as LA Galaxy and Los Angeles
FC (LAFC).

The Galaxy has been home to the likes of David Beckham and Landon Donovan, while
LAFC has attracted players like Carlos Vela. It is the state’s diverse communities that are
behind the vibrant soccer culture that we find at both the professional and amateur levels.
Just like New Jersey, with the level of popularity among young kids, California is rich in
soccer youth academies and clubs, producing talented players who may soon make their
mark on national and international stages.

With a fanbase as hefty as California’s, it’s expected that people who enjoy watching soccer
often dream about assembling their own dream teams with their favorite players, and

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3. Florida

Florida ranks third, boasting a population of approximately 22.6 million and 397,300 soccer-
related searches per month.

The recent addition of global superstar Lionel Messi to Inter Miami CF has tremendously
spiked interest in the sport throughout the state and even attracted the attention of fans from
around the world to the US soccer scene.

Florida’s warm weather permits play year-round, which clubs like Orlando City SC have used
to its fullest, developing a devoted fan base that gets behind local soccer programs. Orlando
City SC’s passionate fan base also supports local soccer initiatives, resulting in increased
attendance at matches and participation in community events centered around soccer.

4. Maryland

Maryland is fourth highest when it comes to interest in soccer, according to the searches,
with an average of 99,700 per month across 6.2 million residents.

D.C. United and the Washington Spirit are two teams based in the state that compete in
professional leagues and have enjoyed dedicated fan support. D.C. United has featured the
legends of the sport, like Wayne Rooney and Bill Hamid, who have contributed massively to
Maryland’s higher profile for soccer.

The state’s close proximity to Washington, D.C., also benefits the state’s rich soccer culture
and allows fans easy access to major matches and events.

5. Texas

Texas completes the top five soccer fan states with a population of around 30.5 million and
an estimated 478,600 monthly soccer-related searches. The state is home to various MLS
teams, such as FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo FC.

Both teams have had success with acquiring skilled players such as Mauro Diaz and Alberth
Elis respectively.

Texas’s multicultural population offers a fertile soccer culture that encompasses youth
leagues and international club support, local tournaments and events often drawing in large
crowds from the neighboring states.

Soccer’s expansion in America is being felt by rising levels of both supporters and
participants.

Boasting healthy professional clubs and ardent fans supporting them, New Jersey,
California, Florida, Maryland, and Texas are at the forefront of establishing soccer as a
mainstream sport that could rival basketball and football in the United States.
With more youths adopting the sport and international talents flocking to MLS teams,
soccer’s popularity will only grow further in these markets and elsewhere.