LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The World Cup may be over, but the soccer surge in Las Vegas is only beginning. Local players at Indoor 5 say they have already noticed a spike in popularity following the tournament.
WATCH | Alex Eschelman caught up with local players and coaches about the impact the World Cup had on the sport in the valley:
"I've seen so many of my friends coming to camp just enjoying playing and having fun," one youth player said.
That enthusiasm extends beyond the pitch.
"I've had friends tell me that they're learning French on Duolingo because of the French team," another youth player said.
The Cup recorded the highest-ever combined attendance of nearly seven million people across 104 matches, while also setting new viewership numbers. The tournament brought people of all ages together, regardless of which team they rooted for.
"Having my son be around the age that he's going to start playing soon, I think it was my favorite one so far," Indoor 5 coach Rafa Vegas said.
The Las Vegas soccer community has its own unique character.
"It's very small, it's close and there's a lot of connection," a youth player said.
Those connections extend to the United Soccer League club in Las Vegas — the Las Vegas Lights — which shares ties to 48 teams that competed for the Cup.
"There were actually a handful of players in the USL that were playing in the World Cup," Lights CEO Shawn McIntosh said. "So as the level continues to rise, you're going to see more and more players come through local clubs, which makes that connection for fans and their local club all that more important."
For some fans, the end of the tournament is bittersweet, but the next one is already on the horizon.
WATCH | Alex Eschelman also attended a watch party for the final game of the World Cup between Spain and Argentina to hear from fans:
"I'm really sad. I'm excited for the next one; I hope I can go," a youth player said.
Morocco, Portugal and Spain are the host nations for the 2030 World Cup, celebrating the tournament's 100th anniversary.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
-
UEFA set to end boycott threat after Infantino's failed World Cup investor plan
European soccer body UEFA is set to formally withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving assurances Gianni Infantino's failed World Cup sell-off plan will not be revived.
Kubiak says Mendoza’s starting role will depend on development
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said decisions on Fernando Mendoza’s starting role will depend on his development, not the surrounding offense.
Paseo Verde player makes history as only 26th girl in Little League World Series
For the first time in the Little League World Series, two girls are competing in the tournament and one is from Henderson.
Raiders’ Klint Kubiak says Ashton Jeanty is ‘on the mend’ after practice injury
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak says Ashton Jeanty is “on the mend” after suffering a reported ankle sprain Sunday, but the team has not provided a timetable for his return.
