What polling shows about Americans’ interest in the World Cup and USMNT

Key Points:

• A recent Ipsos Sports poll reveals that while the U.S. men's national soccer team’s strong World Cup performance has excited many soccer fans, overall American interest in soccer remains limited, with only about 20% considering themselves fans of international or U.S. soccer.
• Approximately 60% of soccer fans were highly enthusiastic about the U.S. advancing to the knockout round, and most viewed the team’s group stage performance positively, though general excitement among all Americans was much lower at 25%.
• The poll indicates mixed opinions on FIFA’s role in managing the World Cup, with only about one-third of U.S. soccer fans approving of FIFA’s actions, and a majority of Americans lacking a strong opinion on the organization.
• Despite the World Cup being hosted partly in the U.S., only 17% of Americans are very excited about the remainder of the tournament, and while many expect increased national interest in soccer, relatively few report a personal increase in enthusiasm.
• Engagement with the World Cup extends beyond watching games, with significant numbers of Americans following on social media, attending watch parties or bars, purchasing merchandise, and some participating in betting related to the tournament.