Hot take: David Beckham has done more for football in America than most U.S. soccer legends and the 2026 World Cup is proof

There are several factors that have combined to stake his strong claim!

Early trip to America with Victoria

Way back in 2007, David Beckham first visited the United States with Victoria Beckham. Football was not a major sport in the country at the time, and practically unknown compared to the likes of the huge baseball and basketball.

Of course, Beckham is absolute stardom and a name that carries weight wherever he goes. Arriving in the States for the first time as a footballing superstar, naturally he picked up interest from new supporters, bringing the prospect of "soccer" on the table, way before the USA is set to host World Cup 2026 such 19 years later.

Marriage to Victoria

Victoria and David have been inseparable for over 25 years, marrying only two years after meeting and supporting each other through every change and development life brings.

They have four children: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper. No matter what public challenge they have faced, they have overcome them all, showing what a great marriage is really about.

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During an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres show, David recalled their first meeting in 1997: saying: “She came to a football match - soccer match -and I said hi from across the room, and that was it.

"I thought I’d missed my chance, and then a week later she turned up at another football match. She had a few to drink, and she gave me her number.”

Move to MLS

When David Beckham first visited the United States in 2007, he made a box-office transfer from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy.

Suddenly, America was watching soccer.

On July 12, 2007, he was publicly unveiled at the Home Depot Centre in Carson, California. On July 21, 2007, he then made his full debut in the white and gold colours of the team in an exhibition match against English giants Chelsea.

On August 9, 2007, the English attacker further made his MLS debut, against DC United in Washington. Playing in a five-and-a-half year stint, his transfer provided a major landmark for the league, paving the way for the designated player rule and future stars such as Lionel Messi to join the league.

During his unveiling, he made his mission to the MLS clear:  "Soccer is huge all around the world apart from America, so that's where I want to make a difference with the kids," he told reporters.

Was the World Cup destined to return to when Beckham moved to USA?

When Beckham moved to LA Galaxy, he knew his mammoth job to bring soccer to the States. The club had invested a major sum of $32.5m for his footballing services, as he was one of the UK's most recognisable stars. The expectation was known - soccer must become on a national par with the Goliath sports of American football, baseball and basketball. After five-and-a-half star-studded years with Galaxy, Beckham then returned to the States, this time as co-owner of Inter Miami, the football club home to legendary Leo Messi and Luis Suarez. The Beckham's reside at three locations now.

The first is the primary base of Holland Park, London, a West London townhouse featuring an extensive basement, with an indoor pool, spa, gym, home cinema and nail bar.

The second location is the English country retreat, a converted barn estate in Great Tew, featuring a tennis court, a football pitch, a sauna and swimming pool.

And the third residence is the newly bought home in Miami Beach, Florida. A massive 14,270-square-foot mansion, Beckham resides here when he's in the States with Inter Miami.

What did Beckham do for US football?

Beckham's influence on US football is unparalleled.

From the sport hardly known by supporters upon arrival, he made his mission clear in his first interview, to bring soccer to the States on a paramount level.

With his final game seeing the team win its second consecutive MLS Cup, we took a look into the stats of before his arrival and then his departure. Average attendances rose from 15,500 per match in 2006 to 18,800 in his last season. The number of clubs expanded from 13 to 19. Big name stars followed Beckham, such as Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane. And then of course, you look at the likes of Leo Messi, Son Heung-min and Luis Suarez today.

Ownership of MLS

Inter Miami are truly on the rise. Bought for $25m in 2014, the club are now reportedly valued at a staggering $1.2billion. As mentioned before, they have secured the services of major, major players, including Messi and Suarez. They also boast the Nu Stadium, having played matches at the Chase Stadium prior. They sit second in the Eastern Conference table, only below Nashville by two points.

The club are the most-known in the States now, and Beckham is the main man behind it.

Messi x Beckham

When you think of Leo Messi and David Beckham, the word legends springs to mind. Beckham, the owner of the club, magically orchestrated the signing of the man widely considered as "The GOAT" back in 2023. Messi's European days at Barcelona and PSG were over, instead he was going Stateside. So what did the transfer actually do?

If Beckham signing for LA Galaxy was big business, this was bigger. Inter Miami instantly became a global brand, and started to win major trophies, such as the MLS Cup.

It was not only bringing Messi too, but the stars that followed him. Luis Suarez joined. Sergio Busquets in the middle of the park was added. Then iconic full-back Jordi Alba arrived too. Inter Miami all of a sudden, were building a super team of Barca legends.

It's not just adding stars to the side either, the two of Beckham and Messi share a unique bond, with Beckham publicly praising his work ethic, and celebrating the success of the MLS Cup victory together.