Herculez Gomez Rebuts Claims US Lacks Soccer Culture
The former player challenges assertions about American football interest using attendance and survey data.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Soccer
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Analyst Herculez Gomez has publicly pushed back against remarks from Olivier Giroud, who suggested the United States is not a football country. Gomez pointed to robust national attendance figures to contest this characterization of the American market.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on how to evaluate a growing, yet evolving, sports market. Gomez argues that high engagement with international clubs indicates strong American interest in the sport regardless of domestic league sentiment.
A 2024 YouGov survey indicated 60% of MLS fans also follow international leagues like the Premier League or La Liga. During the 2025 season, MLS averaged 21,988 spectators per match, a 5% decrease from the previous year.
The players
Herculez Gomez
He is a former professional soccer player and current media analyst who frequently discusses the state of the sport in the United States.
Olivier Giroud
He is a professional footballer who played for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.
The details
Olivier Giroud formed his skeptical opinion during his time playing for Los Angeles FC, citing his own experiences within the domestic league. In response, Gomez highlighted the success of the 2026 World Cup, which hosted nearly 7 million spectators across 104 matches, as evidence of deep-seated interest.
Timeline
A 2024 YouGov survey measured football fan interest across the United States.
Major League Soccer averaged 21,988 spectators per match in 2025.
The 2026 World Cup saw 7 million spectators attend 104 matches.
Season Trajectory
The debate highlights a tension between domestic league performance and overall fan engagement with the global game. By anchoring the argument to the success of the 2026 World Cup, observers are questioning whether the U.S. market trajectory is defined by MLS attendance or broader sport affinity.
While MLS saw a 5% drop in average match attendance in 2025, the data suggests fans are heavily invested in international leagues and high-profile tournaments. This divergence suggests that casual viewers may prioritize marquee events over consistent participation in the domestic regular season.
The takeaway
The disparity between domestic league attendance and interest in international soccer illustrates the complex nature of American sports consumption. Fans should note that widespread support for high-profile tournaments often exists alongside varying levels of commitment to local clubs.
Further reading
For more context on the domestic landscape, visit Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
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