A New Study Just Ranked the Best U.S. Cities for Soccer Fans — Here’s Who Won
A new WalletHub study ranked 302 cities on everything from ticket prices to fan engagement. Here’s who came out on top.
Soccer is finally having its moment in the U.S.
After years of sitting in the shadow of football, baseball, and basketball, Americans are now packing MLS stadiums, following the NWSL, and planning weekends around big matches. The rise of the U.S. Women’s National Team, the growth of MLS, and a younger generation raised on FIFA helped push the sport into the spotlight.
Of course, some cities make it a lot easier to be a fan than others.
To figure out where soccer truly thrives, WalletHub analyzed 302 U.S. cities with at least one college or professional team, looking at dozens of factors that shape the fan experience. As WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo noted, cities like Los Angeles and Orlando stand out for combining high-level play with deeply engaged fans on and off the field.
Here’s how the rankings were put together—and the 10 cities that rose to the top for 2025.
How the ranking worked
WalletHub compared cities across five levels of the sport: MLS, NWSL, USL, Division I men’s college soccer, and Division I women’s college soccer. Every city in the study had at least one team.
Researchers graded 52 metrics that affect how easy (and fun) it is to follow soccer in each place. That included things like team performance, championship history, ticket prices, stadium capacity, attendance, and fan engagement online. Each league was weighted by its popularity, then all of those numbers were combined into one overall score.
That’s how the list below came together.
10. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta has become one of MLS’s biggest success stories. Atlanta United regularly brings massive crowds into an NFL stadium, and that fan energy shows up in the city’s high attendance and engagement scores. Solid Division I college programs add even more chances to watch live soccer. If you want a city that bought into MLS from day one, Atlanta delivers.
9. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is quietly one of the most complete soccer regions in the country. Sporting Kansas City anchors the MLS presence, but the real secret weapon is the broader metro: Kansas City, Kansas ranks No. 1 for NWSL thanks to its high-performing women’s club and loyal fanbase. Together, the two sides of KC form one of the best ecosystems for both men’s and women’s soccer in the U.S.
8. Miami, Florida
Miami’s soccer profile has surged thanks to Inter Miami CF and the city’s growing interest in the sport. WalletHub ranks Miami among the top MLS markets, boosted by strong franchise values, heavy online interest, and rising attendance. The college programs aren’t major national contenders, but for fans focused on high-profile pro play, Miami has plenty to offer.
7. Washington, D.C.
D.C. is a standout for both men’s and women’s soccer. D.C. United is one of MLS’s original clubs, with decades of history and multiple titles. The Washington Spirit adds top-level NWSL play, and the city’s Division I programs are ranked inside the top 25. It’s a great pick for fans who want atmosphere, tradition, and variety.
6. New York, New York
New York doesn’t top the list, but it still lands high overall thanks to strong college programs and a deep fanbase across the metro area. With MLS and NWSL markets nearby and a long-standing soccer culture, NYC gives fans access to almost every type of match—even if it’s not as soccer-obsessed as cities like LA or Seattle.
5. Portland, Oregon
Portland fully lives up to its “Soccer City” nickname. The Timbers are one of MLS’s most recognizable clubs, and the Portland Thorns rank No. 1 in the NWSL thanks to consistent success and an incredibly loyal supporter culture. Matches here feel big, loud, and community-driven, and the rankings reflect that.
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City proves a smaller market can offer a top-tier soccer experience. Real Salt Lake and its NWSL counterpart both score well, and the city ranks in the top five for both leagues. Strong win records, approachable stadium options, and committed fans help SLC land near the top of the overall list.
3. Seattle, Washington
Seattle has become one of the country’s most respected soccer cities. The Seattle Sounders have two MLS Cup titles and one of the league’s best overall records, while the Seattle Reign consistently perform well in the NWSL. Both clubs are popular online, and the city has multiple Division I men’s and women’s programs. If you’re after atmosphere with proven on-field success, Seattle checks all the boxes.
2. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is one of the top soccer destinations in the U.S., thanks to Orlando City SC (MLS) and the Orlando Pride (NWSL). The Pride especially shine: they’ve won an NWSL championship, have one of the best overall records in the league, and consistently rank high in both social engagement and search popularity. Add in accessible stadiums and year-round warm weather, and Orlando easily earns the No. 2 spot.
1. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles takes the top spot for 2025, and the numbers make it clear why. The city has two MLS clubs—the LA Galaxy and LAFC—plus Angel City FC in the NWSL, giving fans unmatched access to high-level play. LA teams have seven MLS Cup wins combined, more than any other city, and strong attendance and billion-dollar franchise valuations boost its score even further.
With multiple Division I college programs and a long history of national titles at that level, Los Angeles is the most complete soccer city in the country right now. Whether you follow MLS, NWSL, or college matches, LA offers variety, history, and nonstop soccer energy.
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