The surge in US interest isn't limited to viewership, according to those working in the sport.

Nate Roberts, 40, is originally from Lincoln, England - but has been living in the US for more than a decade and works as a fitness instructor and soccer coach in Connecticut.

Roberts said they are starting a pickup league at his organisation in the next few weeks because of the sheer amount of phone calls and messages they have received during the World Cup.

For ages 18 and over, it will be a "beer league," he said (noting that only those over 21 will be legally able to imbibe).

"We're noticing players that are looking for that rec experience or that first opportunity to start their soccer journey," Roberts said.

He estimated he's personally receiving between 10 and 20 emails a week, the majority from parents interested in involving their children in the sport. When it comes to requests on social media, Roberts said the number is about double.

Much of the enthusiasm centres on what Americans have identified as positivity, sportsmanship and global camaraderie displayed by World Cup fans celebrating together in North America.

"It sounds cliche as can be, but the whole world getting along, in the way that I saw them doing while here in America, visiting for the World Cup, was just eye-opening to me," said Druley, who's considering following Manchester City and "maybe some MLS stuff here".

"As silly as a game or a sport may be to some people, seeing people come together the way that they did over this was just truly amazing to me," he says. "It was… maybe what the world needs right now, you know?"

Just don't ask him to call the sport "football".

"I know that the entire world outside of us pretty much calls it football, but I am so ingrained in American football that I just cannot call it anything but soccer," he said.

"I have my limits."

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