April 9 – SoFi Stadium, in Inglewood, has seen two different faces to America’s relationship with their respective men’s and women’s national teams over the last two weeks, and the differences could not be starker.
Two weeks ago the men played Canada in the third-place match at the Concacaf Nations League. This game had plenty riding on it, both competitively and politically, as the 2026 World Cup approaches. As the match kicked off, there were perhaps 3,000 fans in attendance, in a match the US went on to lose 2-1.
On Saturday, the women’s team played the first of two friendly matches against Brazil, and were greeted by more than 32,000 loud, appreciative supporters in a comprehensive 2-0 win in front of a crowd that clearly loves these women.
Of course, America is a country where they love winners, and the USWNT is clearly that with four World Cups and five Olympic Gold medals to their names, but it isn’t as though the USMNT has come up empty-handed.
Since the women won their first World Cup in 1991, the men have secured seven Concacaf Gold Cups and the first three Nations League titles in the same period, however there appears to be a growing disconnect between the men’s team and US football fans.
No doubt the women’s game is going through a remarkable surge in the US and in Southern California with the formation of Angel City FC and the San Diego Wave of the National Women’s Soccer league. However the men in the form of LAFC and the LA Galaxy have competed in the last three MLS Cup finals, winning one apiece.
So, why does the LA public show up for a friendly match for women, and are a no-show for the men in a competitive fixture?
While there are no definitive arguments, potential reasons could be…
Cultural Impact:
The USWNT, with the likes of Alex Morgan, Brandi Chastain, Megan Rapinoe, and Abby Wambach, have used their status to advocate for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and equal pay meaning they have transcended the sport. They have also been a lightning rod in attracting young girls to the sport.
The USMNT is still trying to figure out exactly who they are and what they stand for. Back in the 90’s the team was hard-nosed and felt as though it was up to them to prove the team belonged on the world stage. In the 2000’s that led to improved World Cup performances, but as we move into the 2020s, the team has seemingly lost its identity with the football public.
Fan Engagement:
There is more connection to the women, as I believe that they’re more approachable. At NWSL matches, you’ll find players signing autographs and posing for selfies. The men, who are now scattered across the globe, don’t enjoy the same intimacy, but could certainly make more of an effort.
U.S. Soccer also needs to look at the pricing of its men’s games. Youth soccer in America feels as close to tennis and golf in terms of cost, and that has morphed into the national team. If you want to pack out SoFi make it affordable for a family of four. Make deals so that an entire youth team can come and support their country and create those fans for life.
What we do know is that SoFi will host two of the USMNT’s group stage matches next summer. Americans love an event, and I’m sure the stadium will be at full capacity (World Cup ticket prices haven’t been released), but the question remains…what will the support be like? Football tourists? Or fans living every second and straining every sinew in an effort to will their country to victory.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1744910727labto1744910727ofdlr1744910727owedi1744910727sni@o1744910727fni1744910727