A Shift in Viewing Intentions
A recent Gallup survey reveals that 40 % of U.S. adults intend to watch at least some of the forthcoming World Cup, a share that matches the level recorded during the 1994 tournament hosted on American soil.
The 2026 edition will be staged across 16 venues in three nations, with the majority of matches scheduled to take place in the United States, promising a broad geographic footprint that could further boost domestic engagement.
Among the 27 % of Americans who consider themselves fans of professional soccer, 83 % say they will tune in for at least part of the competition, underscoring the sport’s growing foothold in a market traditionally dominated by the NFL and NBA.
Interest is not evenly distributed; men, young adults, college graduates, people of color and residents of the Eastern United States are the subgroups most likely to plan viewing, with soccer fandom exceeding 30 % in each of these groups.
The poll also notes that while the current sample of Hispanic adults is too small for reliable estimates, historical data since 2012 show that roughly 47 % of Hispanic Americans have identified as soccer fans, suggesting a sizable and persistent audience.
Beyond raw numbers, the tournament is being framed as a catalyst for expanding the sport’s domestic fan base, with organizers hoping the global spectacle will translate into longer‑term growth for soccer in the United States.