By: Chloe Wu

On July 22, European soccer players traveled to Philadelphia to compete in the Premier League Summer Series in the United States. On the streets, American spectators were dressed in Chelsea FC blue to support the European soccer giants in their first match of The Premier League Summer Series of 2023. The soccer competition started on July 26 and ended on July 30.

The six soccer teams included in the Premier League Summer Series played nine matches in five different east coast US. Cities including New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Orlando.

Before each summer series, there was a fan fest where fans gathered and hosted many activities. This year’s fan fest for the Premier League Summer Series happened on July 22. Activities ranged from playing in the Nike Skills Arena to spinning a wheel to win a Premier League jersey. The festival allowed fans to meet the soccer players and get their autographs.

Soccer has grown in popularity in the United States and is now one of the most popular sports, surpassing hockey, golf, and motor racing.

As the soccer players prepare for the 2026 Men’s World Cup, soccer communities are doing whatever they can to increase soccer’s popularity. As more soccer brands sign with soccer stars, like Lionel Messi and Christano Ronaldo, U.S. Soccer hopes to attract more fans.

Soccer is a popular sport that’s still growing, and communities all over the world are excited to watch the MLS, the USMNT, and other international soccer competitions.