Soccer’s foothold in the U.S. continues to grow — and so does the rivalry between cities building elite soccer cultures. In its latest report, WalletHub ranked over 300 cities based on 52 data poi...
Soccer’s foothold in the U.S. continues to grow — and so does the rivalry between cities building elite soccer cultures. In its latest report, WalletHub ranked over 300 cities based on 52 data points, including pro team success, fan engagement, ticket prices, and access to college soccer.
WalletHub evaluated cities with at least one professional or Division I college soccer team, using 52 metrics across five categories: MLS, NWSL, USL, and men’s and women’s NCAA soccer. Factors included team performance, fan engagement, ticket prices, stadium capacity, and popularity indices.
Cities were ranked by their weighted average scores to reflect both quality and accessibility of the soccer experience.
Here are the top five soccer cities in America, based on the 2025 data:
1. Los Angeles, CA
Score: 55.88
With two MLS giants (LA Galaxy, LAFC), the NWSL’s Angel City FC, and six Division I college programs, LA leads the nation in team volume, championships, and franchise value. The Galaxy’s record 6 MLS Cups and LAFC’s growing trophy cabinet make Los Angeles the true capital of U.S. soccer in 2025.
Just look at the highlights of the Epic Rose Bowl encounter on July 4, 23 where attendance records were broken for an MLS soccer game.
2. Orlando, FL
Score: 47.14
Inter & Co. Stadium in Orlando, FL (Orlando City / X)
Orlando punches well above its size. The city hosts both Orlando City SC (MLS) and Orlando Pride (NWSL) — the latter with one of the league’s top all-time win rates and fan engagement. The balance between both men's and women's leagues success is first of its kind. Add in passionate crowds and a favorable Google search index, and Orlando ranks as the top East Coast soccer city.
3. Seattle, WA
Score: 46.26
Sounders fan shows off scarf during game vs. LA Galaxy (Yuriy Tsupruk / Pitchside USA)
The Seattle Sounders are one of MLS’s most decorated clubs, and OL Reign bring serious NWSL pedigree. Despite no NCAA championships, which is also used to compute the scoring, Seattle’s fan culture, team performance, and digital footprint keep the Emerald City in elite company.
4. Salt Lake City, UT
Score: 44.15
we’d like to take a moment for our man between the posts 🧤 pic.twitter.com/N73cNlch6F
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) October 5, 2025
Captain Rafael Cabral celebrates with the crowd in Sandy, UT (RSL / X)
One of the few midsize cities in the top five, Salt Lake City earns its rank through sustained success from Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals, plus strong stadium accessibility. It’s one of the best places in the U.S. to be a soccer fan without the big-city price tag.
5. Portland, OR
Score: 44.05
Between the Portland Timbers (MLS) and Thorns FC (NWSL), the Rose City boasts perhaps the most passionate supporter culture in the country. Providence Park remains a fortress for both teams, and their fanbases are among the most active online and in-stadium.
Providence Park in Portland, OR (Courtesy: Timbers)
From big cities like Los Angeles and New York to soccer-obsessed smaller markets like Kansas City, Cary, and Cincinnati, the soccer landscape in America has never looked more vibrant.
As 2026 World Cup hosting duties loom, these rankings offer a snapshot of where the sport is thriving — and where the next wave of soccer culture is blooming.
Category: General Sports
