Sports
World Cup Inspires Young Athletes, Draws New Players to Local Clubs
As the FIFA World Cup heads into its knockout round, soccer organizations across Chicago say the tournament is fueling a surge of interest in the sport, inspiring young players and drawing new families to local clubs.
The monthlong tournament marks the first men’s World Cup hosted in North America since 1994. It also comes as the sport enjoys greater popularity in the United States ahead of another major stretch of international competitions like the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
This year, more than 50 million people in the U.S. have tuned in for World Cup matches so far, according to Kay Bradley, chief marketing officer for the Chicago Stars.
“There’s definitely so much excitement and energy around this World Cup. It’s palpable when you walk out on the streets in Chicago,” Bradley said of soccer’s rise. “You see people wearing their jerseys, watch parties all across the city, bars and venues, even in people’s homes. The energy is just so exciting.”
Local organizations are working to capitalize on the momentum. The Stars, for example, are expanding their community programming by hosting youth clinics, making appearances at festivals and farmers markets, and holding watch parties throughout the city.
“Soccer is one of those sports that brings people together,” Bradley said. “People are looking for connection and looking for belonging and looking for joy. It brings all of that and brings all of us together.”
Another local soccer organization, Flechas FC Chicago, has also seen an uptick in interest.
The bilingual youth soccer academy based in Jefferson Park was founded a year ago by Christina Corral, her husband and former professional Mexican player Jesús Zavala.
“They are obsessed,” said Corral of the young athletes. “They are obsessed with all of the players and reading all of the stats, watching them play, collecting the stickers, trading them, sharing it with their friends who might not normally play soccer.”
Corral said many of the academy’s players have been wearing jerseys representing their families’ home countries — with some inspiration close to home.
Berwyn native Brian Gutiérrez, the young midfielder representing Mexico, is competing on soccer’s biggest stage.
“When they see someone like them, it really motivates them,” Corral said. “They can see themselves in these players and they’re very inspired.”
