SFIA Releases New Report Detailing the Current Landscape of Soccer Participation in the U.S.
(May 12, 2026) — As the United States prepares to host the Soccer World Cup this summer, new research from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) shows that soccer participation is already surging nationwide, reaching record levels before the tournament begins.
According to SFIA’s latest report, outdoor soccer participation reached 16.8M Americans in 2025, up +15.8% year-over-year, while indoor soccer participation grew to 6.6M, up +10.5%.
The Soccer Spotlight: 2026 U.S. Participation Trends, Insights & Growth Drivers Report, which analyzes 15 years of SFIA participation data, examines the historical impact of past World Cups on U.S. soccer participation, profiles who is driving today’s growth, and assesses what the industry might expect from the upcoming tournament.
“The United States is entering the 2026 World Cup with record participation, broad demographic momentum, and an industry that has been building toward this moment for years,” said Alex Kerman, Senior Director of Research and Operations at SFIA. “Our data suggests this tournament presents a fundamentally different opportunity than prior World Cups. The foundation has never been stronger.”
A Different Kind of World Cup Moment
SFIA’s analysis of past tournaments reveals a consistent pattern:
However, 2026 presents a unique opportunity:
“Entering the tournament, conditions are ideal for real-time conversion from fan to participant,” Kerman added.
Growth Is Expanding, but There is Room to Deepen Participation
The report also highlights key structural shifts in soccer participation:
These trends suggest that while soccer’s reach is expanding, converting new players into long-term participants remains the industry’s biggest opportunity.
Driving the Industry 2034WARD
The 2026 World Cup marks the beginning of an unprecedented decade of global sporting events in the United States. Through its 2034WARD Campaign, SFIA is focused on ensuring this moment translates into sustained sports and fitness participation growth across all communities.
Access the Report
The full report, Soccer Spotlight: 2026 U.S. Participation Trends, Insights & Growth Drivers, is now available for SFIA members to purchase for $150 and $500 for non-members. A free executive summary is also available for download.
Explore the soccer participation hub and purchase the report:
https://sfia.org/u-s-soccer-participation-data/
See key takeaways from the report.
Members of the media may request a complimentary copy or schedule an interview with an SFIA spokesperson by contacting Jenny Karn at [email protected].
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.