“The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn’t just about football for me,” Mauricio Pochettino began. “It’s about the journey that this team and this country are on.” These words from the time when the Argentine tactician took over as USMNT manager reflect the tremendous growth of the beautiful game in the States. Yet, despite such efforts, if soccer still struggles to flourish like other dominant sports in the country—such as the NFL and NBA—it’s hard to imagine the challenges women’s soccer faces. Even so, Olivia Moultrie, in an exclusive conversation with EssentiallySports in collaboration with Red Bull, makes it clear that she won’t settle until soccer truly becomes “a part of their culture.”
Well, let’s set aside the Pochettino factor for a moment. America currently possesses one of the biggest jewels in soccer—one that only a lucky few get the chance to witness firsthand: none other than Lionel Messi. The Argentinian superstar made a blockbuster move to Major League Soccer in the summer of 2023. Since then, from sold-out stadiums to attracting A-list celebrities eager to watch him play and driving record-breaking jersey sales, the iconic playmaker has surely ignited a massive wave of soccer in the country.
If not this, then just step back and take a look at how America is rallying in its efforts to establish itself on the global stage. Already set to host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup this summer, the land is also the venue for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, as well as the 2028 LA Olympics. While other sports may not fully grasp the magnitude of such events, ardent soccer fanatics across the globe do. So the question is: How is the atmosphere in the States right now? More importantly, is there more love and excitement surrounding the game than ever before?
The answer may not disappoint you: “I definitely feel there’s more and more,” began Olivia Moultrie while speaking with host Andrew Whitelaw on the EssentiallySports exclusive. “I was actually talking to somebody about this earlier. But it’s like, I’m trying to get the U.S. where the Super Bowl is not the most watched event here. I need it to be something else.”
By something else, the 19-year-old means soccer. From World Cup games to MLS and NWSL weekend clashes, she wants American fans to take an interest in the game as they do with other sports. Doing so will automatically boost the growth of the game. Sure, one can’t expect soccer in the U.S. to develop a fanbase on par with the NBA or NFL overnight. But at the very least, one can hope for a solid foundation to take shape.
Take it from NBA superstar James Harden, who noted how Messi’s arrival has sparked a new atmosphere in the country when it comes to soccer. “MLS is growing with Messi, It’s a big thing because in America we have never had recognition for footballers. We will see young players develop and it will be good for American soccer culture,” admitted the LA Clippers star once.
Well, this is something even Moultrie would agree with, as she insists there has been undeniable growth in the game. Yet, she believes there’s still something her nation lacks. While that’s something for the U.S. to reflect on, she hopes another one of her desires will be fulfilled!
Olivia Moultrie hopes to see the USWNT host the 2031 World Cup
“We’re not quite to the point where obviously these other countries are,” continued Moultrie to EssentiallySports, subtly indicating how major nations across Europe and South America worship soccer. “It’s literally a part of their culture, it’s a part of people’s lives. That’s how I want to live. That’s obviously a huge part of my life,” added the Portland Thorns star.
Ambitious as it may sound, that’s Olivia’s dream. Honestly, it echoes the ambition of many other passionate fans in her country who hope to see soccer experience such growth. How exactly the U.S. can achieve this is something that may become clearer after concluding the major international sporting events it is set to host.
Speaking of which, there’s another goal of hers that Moultrie wants her nation to fulfill. “Hopefully having a women’s World Cup here in 2031 is the plan,” she said, acknowledging that the US Soccer has already begun with their efforts. With Brazil hosting the 2027 edition, if the US wins the right to host the subsequent one, it would be interesting to see whether Moultrie gets to be a part of it or not.
For now, all Olivia has is to cherish the soccer wave that America is still in the process of accepting. “It’s just building blocks…really fun to see the growth and it’s definitely getting bigger and bigger,” concluded the teenager.
How far do you think soccer will grow in the United States? Share your thoughts in the comments!
The post Exclusive: USWNT’s Olivia Moultrie Reveals NFL-Like Dream to Bring ‘Football Culture’ in the States appeared first on EssentiallySports.