BetMGM analyzed 92 years of data to determine which U.S. states have made the greatest contribution to the history of the World Cup.
This was measured by combining several factors, including all USMNT World Cup competing rosters, total number of World Cup appearances, number of goals scored at a World Cup, and the number of games won at a World Cup.
Our research found that California, New Jersey, and Missouri were the top three states overall in contributing to the USWNT World Cup efforts from 1930 to 2022.
Significant Findings
- Over half of U.S. states (27) have never recorded a single World Cup appearance
- 78% of US states (40) have never produced a USMNT World Cup goalscorer
- Players born in California have had 10x more WC appearances than any other state
- California have produced 30% of all USMNT World Cup goalscorers
- New Jersey-born players have contributed the most World Cup wins in American history (17)
Top 3 States Producing the Most World Cup Talent Since 1930
- California: California has the most players on USMNT World Cup rosters, the most overall World Cup appearances, the most World Cup goals, and the second-most players to win a World Cup match, totaling 118.
- New Jersey: New Jersey has the second-highest number of USMNT World Cup players, the second-most World Cup appearances, the fifth-most World Cup goals, and the most players to win a World Cup match, totaling 102.
- Missouri: Missouri has the third-most players across all USMNT World Cup rosters, the third-highest World Cup appearances, the fifth-most World Cup goals, and ranks third for the most players to win a World Cup match, totaling 55.
| Ranking | States | Players Born | WC Appearances | WC Goals | WC Wins | Total Score |
| 1 | California | 23 | 72 | 9 | 14 | 118 |
| 2 | New Jersey | 14 | 69 | 2 | 17 | 102 |
| 3 | Missouri | 13 | 30 | 2 | 10 | 55 |
| 4 | Illinois | 6 | 25 | 3 | 4 | 38 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 12 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 31 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 8 | 13 | 4 | 5 | 30 |
| 7 | Texas | 5 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 29 |
| 8 | New York | 8 | 15 | 1 | 4 | 28 |
| 9 | Michigan | 3 | 18 | 0 | 4 | 25 |
| 10 | Georgia | 6 | 14 | 1 | 3 | 24 |
| 11 | Washington | 6 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 23 |
| 12 | Indiana | 1 | 11 | 0 | 3 | 15 |
| 13 | Florida | 5 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| 14 | North Carolina | 1 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 12 |
| 15 | Maryland | 3 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| 16 | Rhode Island | 3 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 10 |
| 16 | District of Columbia | 2 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| 17 | Ohio | 1 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 9 |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 2 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 9 |
| 18 | Minnesota | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 8 |
| 19 | Oklahoma | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| 19 | Kansas | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| 20 | Arizona | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 21 | Alabama | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 22 | Virginia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 22 | Hawaii | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 22 | Colorado | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 23 | Wyoming | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | West Virginia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Vermont | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Utah | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Tennessee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | South Dakota | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | South Carolina | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Oregon | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | North Dakota | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | New Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | New Hampshire | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Nevada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Nebraska | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Montana | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Mississippi | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Maine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Louisiana | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Kentucky | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Iowa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Idaho | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Delaware | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Connecticut | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Arkansas | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Alaska | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Methodology
BetMGM analyzed historical data on the United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) from 1930 to 2022, focusing specifically on all World Cup squads from the 1930 FIFA World Cup through the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
First, a complete list of players selected for each USMNT World Cup roster during this period was compiled.
Next, each player’s on-field contributions in World Cup matches, including appearances, goals scored, and wins in matches they participated in, were evaluated.
BetMGM then identified each player’s state of birth using data from Transfermarkt and FBref.
Finally, these metrics were aggregated at the state level to assess overall contribution, and states were ranked based on their cumulative impact on the USMNT’s World Cup performance.
Sources
Used to identify all USMNT World Cup competing rosters, total goals scored, Total World Cup appearances, and the number of World Cup wins – thesoccerworldcups.com
Used to identify the birth states of USMNT players – transfermarkt.com
Used to identify the birth states of USMNT players – fbref.com
The content provided in this blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of BetMGM LLC. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.
