How soccer won over America and became part of U.S. sports culture

Soccer was once a fringe sport in the United States, but it has now become an integral part of American sports culture. The sport began to gain popularity in the early 2000s with the arrival of high-profile players like David Beckham, who played for LA Galaxy, and several other players who helped grow the sport in the U.S. The success of the women's national team, which won the Women's World Cup in 2015 and 2019, also played a significant role in increasing soccer's popularity among Americans. The men's national team has also participated in the World Cup several times, successfully advancing to the knockout stage in some tournaments. The presence of international players like Landon Donovan, Alex Morgan, and the Portland Timbers, as well as the entry of new teams like Inter Miami CF, have further boosted the sport's popularity.