The world’s most popular sport -- commonly referred to as “soccer” in America and “football” everywhere else -- is gaining a mass following in the United States. In fact, it is already the fourth-most-watched sport in America, although it still is lags far behind the “big three” -- American football, baseball and basketball.

Until recently, soccer’s popularity was driven mainly by the growing U.S. Latino population. It also was considered a “safe” alternative to American football and suitable for small children and girls. International successes of American women’s teams (the Olympic gold in 1996 and 2004 and silver in 2000, with the help of American soccer star Mia Hamm) helped build the sport’s popularity in the United States. Americans came to appreciate the incredible stamina, precision and team coordination required by the game. Men’s soccer is becoming increasingly popular in America. From 1967 to 1984, America had the North American Soccer League, which featured world football stars such as Franz Beckenbauer and Pelé. Major League Soccer (MLS) debuted in the United States in 1996. MLS has gained popularity in the United States, especially after 2002, when an American team made up mostly of MLS players reached the quarterfinals in the World Cup.

Still a bit of an exotic “import,” U.S. soccer is expanding, and MLS keeps adding new teams to its roster. Made up primarily of U.S. players, the league also has brought over international superstars, like David Beckham, to America. According to experts, soccer will experience major growth in the United States during the coming decades.