The 2026 FIFA World Cup may be over, but California’s love for soccer is only growing. A new study has named the Golden State the most soccer-obsessed in the U.S., with Los Angeles playing a big role in its top ranking.
California takes the top spot
Travel platform SeatPick analyzed Google search data from all 50 states. Researchers looked at terms like “soccer,” “MLS,” “Premier League,” “soccer clubs near me,” and “soccer stadiums.” They then adjusted the results by population.
California came in first with 10,802 soccer-related searches per 100,000 residents each month. It also recorded more than 6 million average monthly soccer searches, the highest total in the country.
Why California loves soccer
The ranking isn’t much of a surprise. California hosted 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. Fans packed SoFi Stadium and Levi’s Stadium throughout the tournament.
The state is also home to four MLS clubs: LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, San Diego FC, and the San Jose Earthquakes. Add in a huge youth soccer community, and it’s easy to see why California topped the list.
The top 10 most soccer-obsessed states
The study ranked these states as America’s biggest soccer hotspots:
- California
- Connecticut
- Minnesota
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Vermont
- Massachusetts
- Washington
- Arizona
The World Cup effect is still growing
SeatPick says the 2026 FIFA World Cup helped boost soccer interest across the U.S. But California continues to lead the way.
After hosting some of the tournament’s biggest matches, the Golden State remains one of the country’s biggest homes for the beautiful game.
