Full Breakdown
U.S. Soccer Fans Energized by 2026 World Cup, Yet National Interest Remains Limited, Poll Finds
7/3/2026, 5:01:39 AM
Context and Core Findings
Ipsos Sports surveyed 1,027 U.S. adults June 26-28, as the United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) entered the World Cup knockout stage. Six-in-ten soccer fans were “extremely” or “very” excited about the U.S. advancing, versus 25 % of all adults. Fifty-five percent rated the USMNT’s group-stage performance “extremely” or “very” well; a quarter said it was “somewhat well.” About half of fans judged the United States’ co-host role “very” or “extremely” well, while only one-third gave the same rating to FIFA. The USMNT has not won a knockout match since 2002; the poll preceded the Round-of-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Roughly 20 % of adults identify as soccer fans, far behind supporters of football, basketball and baseball.
Quantitative Snapshot
Overall, 17 % of adults are “extremely” or “very” excited about the rest of the tournament; among soccer fans, three-quarters expect the World Cup to boost national interest and half say it has already raised their personal interest. Favorable views of FIFA are 20 %, unfavorable 25 %, with 55 % neutral. Social-media follow-up reaches 40 % of adults and about half of fans. About 25 % have watched matches in bars or restaurants, 20 % have attended watch parties, and 20 % of adults (33 % of fans) bought official merchandise. Ten percent placed an official wager and 5 % traded on prediction markets. Eight percent reported watching a game from a host city.
Criticism of FIFA
Only one-third of soccer fans rated FIFA’s tournament management as “very” or “extremely” good. Respondents highlighted mandated hydration breaks that disrupt game flow and FIFA’s cooperation with travel restrictions and visa refusals affecting Iran as key grievances.
Official Statements & Survey Methodology
Ipsos Sports said the poll used its probability-based KnowledgePanel and carries a sampling error of ±3.5 percentage points. The Associated Press noted the survey was fielded before the USMNT’s Round-of-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, a factor that may shape respondents’ enthusiasm.
Implications for Soccer Growth
The poll shows the World Cup can generate short-term excitement, but entrenched preferences for football, basketball and baseball limit conversion to lasting soccer fandom. Social-media activity, merchandise sales and betting suggest emerging commercial opportunities, yet the modest 20 % fan base underscores the difficulty of building a sustained national audience.
Gaps and Limitations
Because the survey was conducted before the USMNT’s knockout victory, it may understate post-match enthusiasm. The ±3.5 % margin of error and reliance on an online panel limit precision, and the poll does not capture regional differences or longitudinal trends.
Outlook
Organizers expect the 2026 co-hosting role and continued USMNT performance to gradually raise soccer’s profile. Tracking post-tournament surveys will be essential to determine whether the current spikes in excitement translate into enduring growth.
