In a historic realignment of the U.S. sporting hierarchy, football (soccer) has officially surpassed baseball to become the third most popular sport in the United States. According to landmark January 2026 reports from The Economist and Ampere Analysis, the “Messi Effect” combined with the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has pushed soccer ahead of America’s traditional pastime for the first time in history.
The New Podium of American Sports
Data released in early 2026 confirms that soccer has moved into a dominant position among self-declared “favorite sports.” While the NFL and NBA remain the top two, the battle for the bronze has been decided.
Official Popularity Rankings (Q1 2026):
- American Football (NFL): 36%
- Basketball (NBA): 17%
- Soccer (MLS/International): 10% 📈
- Baseball (MLB): 9% 📉
The Messi Revolution and Economic Hypergrowth
Lionel Messi’s tenure at Inter Miami has transitioned from a PR milestone to a multi-billion dollar economic engine.
- Financial Surge: As of February 2026, Inter Miami’s valuation has reached $1.35 billion, a staggering 260% increase since Messi’s arrival.
- Revenue Records: The club’s revenue soared from $56 million to nearly **$200 million**, making it the most valuable franchise in MLS history.
- The 2025 MLS Cup Peak: The 2025 MLS Cup final, where Messi’s Miami defeated Vancouver, drew a record-breaking 4.6 million viewers, with 70% of the audience under the age of 45.
Media Rights and World Cup Momentum
The financial power of soccer in the U.S. is now reflected in broadcasting investments. NBC alone is spending over $8 billion on sports rights in 2026, with World Cup soccer being a primary driver alongside the Olympics and the NBA.
- The Global Hub: The U.S. is now the largest international market for Europe’s “Big Four” leagues, signaling a deep-rooted interest that exceeds domestic play.
- Youth Domination: Soccer participation remains the strongest in the 6-12 age bracket (24.1%), significantly outpacing the declining participation rates of youth baseball (-19% over the last five years).
Comparative Analysis Table (2026 Data)
| Metric | Soccer (Soccer) | Baseball (MLB) | Status |
| Favorite Sport Share | 10% | 9% | Soccer Leads |
| Inter Miami Valuation | $1.35 Billion | — | Record High |
| Youth Participation | 24.1% | 23.1% | Soccer Leads |
| Primary Audience Age | Gen Z / Millennial | 55+ Boomer | Soccer Leads |