From Manhattan hotels to Georgia suburbs: the evolution of U.S. soccer

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The United States Soccer Federation has spent over a century navigating linguistic shifts and massive growth. Once meeting in a New York City hotel, the governing body has transitioned from a fledgling association to a powerhouse that hosts global tournaments and manages professional leagues across the nation.

Founded on April 5, 1913, at the Astor House Hotel in Lower Manhattan, the organization began as the United States Football Association. It was a pioneer in the Western Hemisphere, becoming the first association from North and Central America to join FIFA, receiving provisional membership on August 15, 1913, and full status by June 24, 1914. This early affiliation made the federation one of the earliest members of FIFA's global structure. It achieved full membership during the FIFA Congress held in Oslo, Norway.

The federation's name has evolved alongside American English. In 1945, it became the United States Soccer Football Association to distinguish the sport from American football. By 1974, it dropped 'football' entirely to become the United States Soccer Federation, the name it uses today. This decision helped clarify the distinction between association football and the American gridiron version. Consequently, the current name was adopted during the 1970s.

The organization's physical footprint has shifted significantly. Originally based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the headquarters moved to Chicago in 1991. After decades in Chicago, the federation announced a move to a new 200-acre site in Fayette County, Georgia, in late 2023. This new facility, partially funded by Arthur Blank, was scheduled to open on May 7, 2026. The relocation to Georgia was supported by Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons. This development project was intended to be completed before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The federation's influence extends through various tiers of play, from the men's and women's national teams to the Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). It also oversees specialized branches, including beach soccer, futsal, Paralympic, and deaf national teams. The federation also manages the U.S. Open Cup and the SheBelieves Cup. Furthermore, it is responsible for sanctioning referees and various soccer tournaments across the country.

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