Key facts
- The U.S. is now a host of the largest World Cup in history.
- The nation's soccer development is highlighted by the arrival of global superstars.
- This transformation signifies the U.S. moving beyond its past as a minor soccer nation.
- World Cup superpowers are setting up their operations in the U.S. Midwest.
The United States has experienced a remarkable evolution in its soccer standing, transitioning from a relatively minor participant in the sport to becoming a host of the most expansive World Cup tournament ever staged. This ascent is characterized by a journey that began with humble origins and culminated in the prominent arrival of global soccer superstars on American soil. The narrative underscores a profound shift in the U.S.'s role and influence within the international soccer community. World Cup superpowers are setting up their operations in the heart of the U.S. Midwest, signifying their pursuit of global soccer supremacy. Sophia Cai spent months reporting on the 16-year saga of how the World Cup came to North America, detailing events that unfolded in various settings.