U.S. Soccer Fans Look to the 2026 World Cup with Mixed Feelings
A recent Ipsos Sports poll shows that while about six in ten soccer fans in the United States are excited about the U.S. team's performance, only a quarter of all Americans share that enthusiasm. The findings highlight a gap between the core fan base and the broader public as the tournament draws nearer.
Many observers had expected the World Cup to spark a surge in soccer interest across the country, but the data suggest that only a small fraction of the population feels personally more drawn to the sport because of the event. Still, roughly three-quarters of fans anticipate that the tournament will boost general American interest in soccer.
Opinions on FIFA's stewardship of the competition are similarly divided. Only about one-third of soccer fans rate the organization's management as extremely or very satisfactory, indicating lingering concerns about governance as the global showcase approaches.
The poll also captures how fans are engaging with the tournament beyond the stadium. Roughly two in ten U.S. adults have visited a bar or restaurant to watch a match, and a similar share have purchased official merchandise such as jerseys or scarves. About one in ten respondents admit to placing an official bet on World Cup games, underscoring the event's growing cultural footprint.
Conducted between June 26 and 28, the survey gathered responses from 1,027 adults, providing a snapshot of public sentiment in the lead-up to the 2026 edition, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.