A recent Ipsos Sports poll paints a nuanced picture of American sentiment toward the ongoing World Cup. While the tournament has captured the imagination of many soccer enthusiasts, the broader public remains largely disengaged.
Excitement Among Fans
Among those who follow the sport, roughly six in ten say they are excited that the United States has progressed to the knockout stage, yet only a quarter of all Americans share that enthusiasm. The data, collected June 26‑28, came just after the U.S. advanced from the group phase and before its win over Bosnia‑Herzegovina.
Limited Overall Enthusiasm
The survey also reveals that most soccer fans rate the U.S. team's performance as either extremely well or very well, and about half believe the nation's role as a co‑host is going at least very well. In contrast, only one‑third of fans think FIFA's management of the event is extremely or very successful, a view that mirrors the split among the general public.
Social Media and Merchandise
Interest in the competition extends to digital platforms, with roughly four in ten U.S. adults turning to social media for updates on teams and players. A similar share has visited bars or restaurants to watch matches, and about two in ten have purchased official merchandise such as jerseys, posters or scarves. Even betting on the tournament is not unheard of, with roughly one in ten respondents reporting they have placed an official wager.
Despite these pockets of activity, the poll underscores that only about six in ten U.S. adults expect the World Cup to boost overall interest in soccer, and three‑quarters of fans anticipate a ripple effect on the sport's popularity. Whether that translates into sustained fandom remains to be seen, but the current snapshot suggests a cautious optimism.