BUFFALO, N.Y. — We're still about two years out from North America hosting the FIFA World Cup, but growing support across the continent is part of what helped get the games back to the continent for the first time since 1994, including some New York-adjacent games at MetLife Stadium.

"I think it's one of the biggest growing sports in the U.S., if not the biggest growing sport in the U.S.," said FC Buffalo men's coach Sean Hallas during practice on the indoor pitch at Nardin Academy.

The Leeds, England, native came over in 2012. Between playing and coaching, he's seen how "the beautiful game" has been embraced in the states.

"It's massive now with obviously MLS growing and these bigger players coming over and the level is high in the U.S. It's very, very high," he said.

There are varying leagues and levels from the aforementioned MLS to the USL, where both FC Buffalo teams play. While cities like Rochester, Syracuse and Albany have also seen teams from time to time, Hallas has an idea where any popularity has had a foothold.

"I think you start with the women's game having a major success," Hallas added. "The obviously the big stars in that women's game, and then it trickles through to the boys game, right where the youth, the youth coaching standards right now are very, very good."

That's opened the door for players like Sarah Woods.

"I've just [been] in love with soccer since I've been 10 years old," Woods said. "Mom and dad definitely pushed me to play sports. I wasn't really that into it. And then I think once I became 10, I scored my first travel soccer goal and then I just never looked back."

Many shared similar stories and now play under women's head coach Nikki Bartholomew with big things on the horizon.

"We know that western New York, Buffalo specifically, has an amazing fan base for its sports," she said. "So I'm excited to see that fan base, you know, move on over to a soccer atmosphere and environment and be as just as mafia-like as the Bills Mafia."

For Bartholomew, the homegrown talent is great, but part of the game's growth comes from our growing communities.

"Culturally speaking, soccer is something that a lot of, you know, immigrant populations and refugee populations grew up with," she added. "To have it in their backyard and opportunities to come see, watch and even play for their hometown team would be amazing."

The roster and, more importantly, support continues, whether it's a pair of top-tier teams playing in Western New York or the most watched sports event on the globe coming back to the U.S. in 2026.

"I'm hoping the Buffalo community jumps into it, and even at these meetings so far, I already know that this is a major thing that's going to happen and it's one of the reasons why these boys are here right now," Hallas said.