Poll reveals mixed enthusiasm
A new Ipsos Sports survey, conducted just before the United States defeated Bosnia‑Herzegovina, captures a snapshot of American sentiment toward the ongoing World Cup.
Among those who follow soccer, six in ten say they are excited that the U.S. team is moving into the knockout round, while only a quarter of the overall population shares that excitement.
The performance of the U.S. men’s national team is viewed positively by 55 percent of soccer fans, underscoring a generally favorable perception of the squad’s play.
FIFA’s stewardship draws less confidence
Confidence in FIFA’s management of the tournament is lower, with just one‑third of soccer fans rating the organization’s handling positively.
Despite the buzz, only about two in ten Americans consider themselves fans of international or domestic soccer, indicating that the sport’s reach is still niche.
Expectations of a broader surge
A majority of fans — roughly three‑quarters — expect this World Cup to lift general American interest in soccer, and about half say the event has already increased their own enthusiasm.
The tournament is also shaping everyday habits: roughly four in ten adults have turned to social media for updates, a quarter have watched games in bars or restaurants, and a smaller share have purchased official merchandise or placed bets.
While betting and prediction‑market participation remain modest, the data suggest that the World Cup is gradually weaving itself into the fabric of American leisure, even if full‑scale fandom remains a work in progress.