US soccer legend Clint Dempsey previews team's World Cup chances, discusses 'responsibility' to grow the game

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The United States has been waiting for men's soccer to take off; it has been close, but next summer could be the big ascend.

Next year, of course, marks the first time since 1994 that the United States will host the World Cup (along with Canada and Mexico). 

The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) has yet to get over the hump, but they have reached the knockout stage in each of their last two World Cups. With one good showing, former USMNT star Clint Dempsey thinks the sport could be the next big thing in America.

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U.S. Men's National Team star Clint Dempsey, #8, dribbles upfield against Jamaica during the first half of their CONCACAF World Cup qualifying game at Crew Stadium on Sept. 11, 2012. (Kyle Robertson / USA TODAY NETWORK)

"When I think back to the 1994 World Cup and going to my first game in Dallas, because of how well the U.S. team did and how much the game grew because of having the World Cup here, I’m curious to see what will happen from a good showing next year, if the U.S. can perform well, what could come of that," Dempsey told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "It’s too many times it seems like every four years, everybody that’s mainstream American taking notice instead of mainstream American taking notice every year. 

"You have [Lionel] Messi moving the needle in terms of creating an impact in mainstream media, but if the U.S. have a great showing at the World Cup, the sky is the limit as to what can be accomplished. I am a little bit nervous, though, right now, but I’m looking forward to a strong showing at the Gold Cup to get a dance for the big dance in 2026."