Poll Shows Mixed Interest in Soccer Among Americans Despite World Cup

World Cup Ignites Soccer Excitement Among Fans

The recent World Cup has given U.S. soccer fans reasons to cheer. A survey from Ipsos Sports, shared with The Associated Press, highlights growing interest in soccer. While soccer is gaining traction, it still faces challenges to achieve mainstream status in the United States.

U.S. Men’s Team Performance Sparks Enthusiasm

U.S. adults showed excitement as the men’s national team advanced to the knockout stage. The survey, conducted after the group stage but before the victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, revealed about 6 in 10 soccer fans felt “extremely” or “very” excited. This compares to 25% of the broader American public.

Fans traveled across the San Francisco Bay Area for the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Historically, the U.S. team has struggled in knockout rounds, with a last victory in 2002. Even before the win against Bosnia-Herzegovina, fans acknowledged strong performance in the group stage. Around 55% rated the team’s performance as “extremely well” or “very well,” while a quarter thought it went “somewhat well.”

Co-Hosting World Cup Seen Positively

Close to half of soccer fans viewed the United States’ role in co-hosting the World Cup positively. Opinions on FIFA’s management are less enthusiastic; only one-third felt the organization was doing “extremely” or “very” well. Criticism arose over mandated hydration breaks and travel restrictions, leading to mixed views on FIFA among Americans.

Soccer’s Popularity in the U.S. Faces Challenges

Soccer struggles to capture mainstream American sports fans. Around 2 in 10 Americans consider themselves fans of international or U.S. soccer, lagging behind other sports. While a third have heard “a lot” about the World Cup, enthusiasm remains limited, with 17% “extremely” or “very” excited for the event’s continuation.

Expectations vary, with 6 in 10 believing the World Cup will boost interest in soccer. Personally, only 24% reported increased interest. Soccer fans show more optimism, with three-quarters predicting rising interest nationwide, compared to half of non-fans. Half of soccer fans, but just 17% of non-fans, say their interest grew.

Engagement Through Various Mediums

Americans find multiple ways to engage with the World Cup beyond watching games. Around 4 in 10 adults, including half of soccer fans, use social media for updates. A quarter have watched at bars or restaurants, and 2 in 10 attended watch parties.

Merchandise purchases, like jerseys and scarves, involve 2 in 10 U.S. adults and 33% of soccer fans. Betting sees participation from 1 in 10, with prediction markets attracting 5%. Hosts cities saw 8% watch a game there, underscoring watch parties’ popularity.

The Ipsos Sports poll surveyed 1,027 adults between June 26 and 28. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.