Between Lionel Messi starting his first full MLS season to the United States hosting the 2024 Copa America (and 2026 World Cup in two years), it seems like there is no better time to be a soccer fan in the United States than right now.
As the highly anticipated 2024-25 MLS season kicks off, new data from Vivid Seats explores America’s rooting interests by identifying the most popular MLS teams in each county.
Led by Peter Vermes, Sporting Kansas City’s winningest coach, the franchise is the most popular MLS team in the country by county. Located in the “Soccer Capital of America,” Sporting Kansas City claims 231 counties and has a strong presence of fans in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska.
Atlanta United checks in at No. 2 with 228 counties, followed by the Chicago Fire at 163. Reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew and Minnesota United round out the Top 5.
To find the top MLS team in your county, according to Vivid Seats MLS ticket data, view the interactive map below:
Messi Mania
There is no denying that the “Messi Effect” is real and is reminiscent of David Beckham’s impact on the league when he joined the LA Galaxy in 2007. Inter Miami fans, on average, will be traveling 60% further than last season to watch the soccer phenom. Increases in ticket prices naturally followed with Inter Miami’s average ticket price going from $46 in 2022 to $288 in 2024, according to Vivid Seats ticket data.
While Inter Miami is the most popular MLS team in 10 Florida counties, Inter Miami fans will likely continue to push northward in the Sunshine State as the “Messi Effect” will undoubtedly impact the club’s popularity in the state and country for years to come.
Austin FC
Since Austin FC made their debut at Q2 Stadium in 2021, the soccer-loving city has embraced the team as their own. As the only major sports franchise in Austin, the club is popular in 33 counties around the greater Austin area.
Austin FC faces stiff competition in the Lone Star State from Dallas FC, who are the eighth most popular MLS team in the entire country and claim 74 counties in Texas alone. The Houston Dynamo, who are roughly 240 miles away, are the favorites in 44 counties in Texas.
The Crew vs. FC Cincinnati
After winning the 2023 MLS Cup, Columbus Crew fans took over Ohio, claiming 77 counties in the state. However, FC Cincinnati hasn’t lost their hold over Southwest Ohio. The team claims 10 counties along the Indiana-Kentucky border.
California Clásico
No rivalry means as much to soccer fans in California as the California Clásico between the LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes. The San Jose Earthquakes dominate the Golden State with 33 counties rooting for the Quakes. Meanwhile, the LA Galaxy and their loyal supporters dominate in SoCal, claiming 17 counties.
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