Soccer in the United States has seen incredible growth over the past few decades, evolving from a niche sport into a major passion for millions of fans nationwide. With this rise, MLS (Major League Soccer) clubs have taken center stage, drawing top talent from both domestic and international pools, focusing on the best soccer Academies in the US, while cultivating dedicated fan bases. However, deciding the best soccer club in the USA is no easy task, as each club excels in its own unique way.
One strong contender is the LA Galaxy from California. With several MLS Cups under their belt and star players like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Robbie Keane having donned their jersey, LA Galaxy has a legacy of success and influence. They helped raise the 2025 MLS teams‘ profile of soccer in the U.S. by bringing global stars to American soil early on, making them a household name.
On the East Coast, Atlanta United has made waves since its debut in 2017. Known for its electrifying home atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and record-breaking attendance numbers, Atlanta United rapidly became a fan favorite. Their MLS Cup win in 2018 proved they could blend great team chemistry with top-level talent like Josef Martínez.
Los Angeles FC is recognized as the most valuable MLS franchise. When it comes to youth development, top-ranked academies like Real Salt Lake, Columbus Crew SC Academy, Philadelphia Union Academy, and FC Dallas Academy are dedicated to building the best soccer club in the USA.
You can’t overlook Seattle Sounders FC either. They’re a model of consistency, having won multiple U.S. Open Cups and MLS Cups. The club also boasts a passionate fanbase known as the “Sounders Army,” creating an intimidating and exciting place to play. Their consistent playoff appearances show how strong the franchise is both on and off the field.
New York City FC, linked with the famous Manchester City in England, brings an international flavor to the American game. With marquee signings and competitive performances, NYCFC has developed into one of the top clubs in the league, representing the vibrant soccer culture of New York City.
Finally, the Portland Timbers deserve a mention for their unique culture and loyal supporters. The club’s rivalry matches, especially against Seattle and Vancouver, are among the most intense and exciting in MLS. Their supporters bring unmatched energy and spirit to every game, making the Timbers an iconic name in U.S. soccer.
List of the top 10 Clubs – Best Soccer Club in the USA
So, which club is truly the best? It depends on what you value most – championship history, fan atmosphere, culture, or consistent performance.
Each of these clubs has carved its own niche and contributed significantly to the growth of soccer in America. Whatever your pick, one thing is clear: soccer is alive and thriving in the USA, and these clubs are at the heart of that exciting journey. Here is the top 10 Best Soccer Club in the USA –
| Rank | Soccer Club | Location | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LA Galaxy | California | Multiple MLS Cups, Major star signings, Large fanbase |
| 2 | Los Angeles FC (LAFC) | California | Rapid competitive rise, Strong league performances, Large local support |
| 3 | Seattle Sounders FC | Washington | Multiple MLS Cups, Consistent attendance, and success |
| 4 | D.C. United | Washington, D.C. | Historic MLS powerhouse, Early-era trophies, and legacy |
| 5 | Atlanta United | Georgia | MLS Cup winner, Record attendance, and rapid growth |
| 6 | Columbus Crew | Ohio | Longstanding club with MLS Cup successes and strong community roots |
| 7 | Portland Timbers | Oregon | Unique supporter culture, Strong rivalries, and home atmoCsphere |
| 8 | Sporting Kansas City | Missouri Kansas | Regular contenders, Multiple U.S. Open Cups, and strong development |
| 9 | New York City FC | New York | Competitive squad, Strong international links, and resources |
| 10 | Real Salt Lake | Utah | MLS Cup winners, and a Stable, competitive record |
Why are Inter Miami and Cincinnati not in this list?
Inter Miami and LAFC are definitely two of the most exciting and rapidly growing soccer clubs in the USA, and they should absolutely be included in any list of top soccer clubs. Their absence was just due to a focus on a shorter list highlighting a historically prominent team. Here’s why they matter:
They weren’t included in the best Soccer club in the USA because the list I provided focused on historical success, long-term achievements, legacy, and fanbase.
Inter Miami CF has garnered significant attention for signing global stars like Lionel Messi, which has dramatically elevated the profile of soccer in the U.S. The club’s ambition and investment make it one of the most exciting teams to follow now and in the near future.
FC Cincinnati has been rapidly improving both on and off the pitch, boasting a strong fan base and a recent history of competitive seasons. However, compared to clubs with decades of trophy history, the list I created prioritized longer-term accomplishments.
List of the 2025 MLS teams
Here is the list of the best 2025 MLS teams by performance –
| S NO. | Club Name | Home City | 2024 Season Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inter Miami CF | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 1st |
| 2 | Los Angeles FC | Los Angeles, California | 1st |
| 3 | Columbus Crew | Columbus, Ohio | 2nd |
| 4 | LA Galaxy | Carson, California | 2nd |
| 5 | FC Cincinnati | Cincinnati, Ohio | 3rd |
| 6 | Real Salt Lake | Sandy, Utah | 3rd |
| 7 | Orlando City SC | Orlando, Florida | 4th |
| 8 | Seattle Sounders FC | Seattle, Washington | 4th |
| 9 | Charlotte FC | Charlotte, North Carolina | 5th |
| 10 | Houston Dynamo FC | Houston, Texas | 5th |
| 11 | New York City FC | New York City, New York | 6th |
| 12 | Minnesota United FC | Saint Paul, Minnesota | 6th |
| 13 | New York Red Bulls | Harrison, New Jersey | 7th |
| 14 | Colorado Rapids | Commerce City, Colorado | 7th |
| 15 | CF Montréal | Montreal, Quebec | 8th |
| 16 | Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Vancouver, British Columbia | 8th |
| 17 | Atlanta United FC | Atlanta, Georgia | 9th |
| 18 | Portland Timbers | Portland, Oregon | 9th |
| 19 | D.C. United | Washington, D.C. | 10th |
| 20 | Austin FC | Austin, Texas | 10th |
| 21 | Toronto FC | Toronto, Ontario | 11th |
| 22 | FC Dallas | Frisco, Texas | 11th |
| 23 | Philadelphia Union | Chester, Pennsylvania | 12th |
| 24 | St. Louis City SC | St. Louis, Missouri | 12th |
| 25 | Nashville SC | Nashville, Tennessee | 13th |
| 26 | Sporting Kansas City | Kansas City, Kansas | 13th |
| 27 | New England Revolution | Foxborough, Massachusetts | 14th |
| 28 | San Jose Earthquakes | San Jose, California | 14th |
| 29 | Chicago Fire FC | Chicago, Illinois | 15th |
| 30 | San Diego FC | San Diego, California | Debut season (2025) |