214 - Soccer in the United States (History, Stories, and More!)

2026-06-18 · 30 min · episode 214 · 12 entities

episode page audio

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→ hosted by Shana Thompson person

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→ discusses Society & Culture concept

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→ discusses Education concept

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→ discusses Language Learning concept

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→ discusses Places & Travel concept

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Entities found in this episode

concepts 8

mentioned Society & Culture concept

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mentioned Education concept

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Feed category: Education
mentioned Language Learning concept

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Feed category: Language Learning
mentioned Places & Travel concept

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Feed category: Places & Travel
discusses Society & Culture concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Society & Culture
discusses Education concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Education
discusses Language Learning concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Language Learning
discusses Places & Travel concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Places & Travel

persons 2

mentioned Shana Thompson person

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Feed author/publisher: Shana Thompson
hosted by Shana Thompson person

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Feed author/publisher: Shana Thompson

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mentioned History website

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Feed category: History
discusses History website

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: History

Episode description as stored

⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠ Why do Americans call it soccer instead of football? Why isn't it the most popular sport in the country? And do Americans actually care about the World Cup? In this episode, Shana explores the history of soccer in the United States, from youth leagues and soccer moms to Pelé, the 1994 World Cup, the rise of the U.S. Women's National Team, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and the growing popularity of the sport today. Along the way, she shares personal stories from growing up playing soccer in California and compares American soccer culture with what she's experiencing in Brazil during the 2026 World Cup. Why Americans say soccer instead of football How soccer grew in popularity in the United States The role of Pelé, Beckham, Messi, and the U.S. Women's National Team What a soccer mom is Why soccer became one of the most popular youth sports in America How soccer culture in the U.S. differs from countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Germany Whether Americans really care about the World Cup Interesting soccer superstitions from Brazil Useful English expressions related to sports and competition ⭐ Start improving your English today! ⁠Learn more about the Academy.⁠ ⭐ Take part in our Free ⁠14-Day English Slang and Expression Challenge.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices