The World Cup is taking over the United States this summer. But the not-so-secret American takeover of football has been building its foundations for some time now. While it may seem like a sudden shift, the fingerprints of American influence on the sport can be traced back decades.

The English Premier League is already stacked with U.S. investors, but the hunger to scoop up U.K. clubs is trickling down to the lower levels. Contributor Mike Jakeman spoke to investors, lawyers, and owners who tell FOS that third- and fourth-tier clubs could soon be 80% American-owned.