A poll conducted by the Pew Research Center in March 2026 found that two‑thirds of Americans say they are not likely to follow the forthcoming men’s soccer World Cup.
Survey Findings
Only 28 percent of the population said they would pay at least some attention to the tournament, and just 14 percent described themselves as very or extremely likely to watch.
Who Will Win?
Among those who do plan to tune in, the outlook for the champion is far from settled, with supporters spread across a handful of traditional powerhouses. Roughly nine percent of respondents expected Spain to lift the trophy, while eight percent backed Argentina to defend its title and another eight percent pointed to Brazil, a victory that would mark the nation’s sixth championship. Smaller fractions mentioned Germany, Mexico, Portugal or England, and seven percent said the United States could capture its first men’s World Cup, though the survey did not break down those responses further.
Audience Demographics
The demographic slice of the audience is uneven. Immigrants were found to be more than twice as likely as native‑born adults to follow the event, and men showed a modest edge over women in expressing interest. Age also played a role, with adults between 18 and 64 far more inclined to watch than those 65 and older, reflecting broader patterns of sports consumption.
Hispanic and Asian Americans again outpaced White and Black Americans in their willingness to pay attention, underscoring the tournament’s cross‑cultural resonance.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine star who has long been associated with his nation’s soccer legacy, is frequently mentioned in conversations about potential winners, though the poll did not directly query respondents about him.
Overall, the data suggest that while the World Cup continues to capture global imagination, its domestic footprint in the United States remains limited, with interest concentrated among specific communities and age groups.