Roger Bennett, CEO of Men in Blazers Media Network, said the rise of soccer in the United States is "beautiful" during an appearance on Morning Joe.
This growth signals a shift in the American sporting landscape as the country prepares to host a massive international tournament. The increasing popularity of the sport reflects changing cultural preferences and a growing infrastructure for soccer across the U.S.
Speaking from the MSNBC studio, Bennett discussed the status of the U.S. men’s national team and the broader trajectory of the sport. He said that the momentum behind the game has reached a significant peak as the nation anticipates the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Bennett highlighted the scale of the tournament, saying that 48 teams [1] will compete in the 2026 event. This expanded format represents a departure from previous iterations of the tournament, allowing more nations to participate on the global stage.
Beyond the tournament logistics, Bennett emphasized the domestic impact of the sport's popularity. In a separate statement to Yahoo Sports, Bennett said, "Soccer has already overtaken baseball in America."
His comments on Morning Joe centered on the emotional and cultural appeal of the sport's expansion. When discussing the current state of the game's growth in the U.S., Bennett said, "It's beautiful."
The discussion underscored the intersection of professional sports and national identity as the U.S. positions itself as a central hub for the global game.
“"It's beautiful."”
The transition of soccer from a niche interest to a primary American sport is accelerated by the hosting of the FIFA World Cup. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, the increased visibility and infrastructure requirements may permanently shift the U.S. sports hierarchy, challenging the traditional dominance of baseball and American football.
