Soccer’s Great American Reset
Spring 2026
The men’s pro sport can’t find its footing here. Will the World Cup change that?
DEEP IN THE NATIONAL SOCCER HALL OF FAME’S archives in Hillsborough, North Carolina, tucked in between old jerseys, balls, and mascot costumes, sits an old, weathered banker’s box labeled, simply, ANTI-SOCCER. Flip through its contents of old newspaper clippings and you’ll get a crash course in just how othered the sport of soccer has always been in America.
Like what you see? Upgrade your access to finish reading.
Articles from the Playboy archive are available to Playboy.com Subscribers. Subscribe to unlock this article instantly, along with everything else a Playboy.com subscription includes.
-
Explore the Complete Playboy Archive Enjoy unlimited access to every issue of Playboy magazine, from the iconic first edition in 1953 to today.
-
Discover Exclusive Playboy.com Stories Unlock original articles, interviews, and features available exclusively to members.
-
Experience More of the Playmates Get access to Playmate galleries, videos, exclusive features, and members-only content.
-
Read New Issues the Moment They Drop Get instant digital access to every new issue as soon as it's released.
-
Enjoy Members-Only Perks Save at the Playboy Shop and unlock exclusive offers, experiences, and benefits from across the World of Playboy.
Search results will appear here...