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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

The Impacts of Digital Technology in the Glocalization of Soccer in the US

presenters

    BOUTKHIL GUEMIDE

    Nationality: ALGERIA

    Residence: ALGERIAN

    UNIVERSITY MOHAMMED BOUDIAF, MSILA, ALGERIA

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

The US is famous of basketball, baseball, and American football games. These have traditionally been the most popular sports practiced by most Americans in the US. However, it has turned into soccer game which has started to gain more popularity in the US in recent years. There are several factors contributing to the increased interest in soccer in the US; such as, (1) the growing participation in youth soccer leagues across the country, (2) the success of the US national teams has played a significant role in raising the profile of soccer, and (3) the organization of international soccer tournaments; such as FIFA World Cup (1994 and 2026) and Copa America (2016). It is worth mentioning that the above-mentioned factors have contributed to the glocalization of soccer, which has been a significant phenomenon in the US. Furthermore, soccer in the US has experienced notable growth and increasing cultural relevance over the past few years due to digital technologies which have had significant impacts in the glocalization of soccer in the US. Digital technology has played a crucial role in shaping this phenomenon. The present paper examines the phenomenon of glocalization in the context of soccer in the US, and what impacts digital technology has had on soccer, resulting in a unique hybridization of local influences and significant transformation of the said game within the US. The study utilizes a qualitative research approach, drawing upon existing literature, media sources, and expert interviews to analyze the various dimensions of glocalization in US soccer and the impacts of digital technology. The research concludes that digital technology has had noticeable impacts on the glocalization. In addition, it has played a pivotal role in transforming soccer in the US, enabling it to become a significant player in the global soccer landscape. The hybrid nature of

Keywords:

Glocalization, soccer, US, digital technology.