The 2026 FIFA World Cup has captured the attention of U.S. soccer fans, but a new poll suggests the tournament has yet to transform the United States into a true football nation.
According to an Ipsos Sports survey conducted for the Associated Press, only about 20% of Americans identify as soccer fans, while just 17% say they are «very» or «extremely» excited about the remainder of the World Cup. American football, basketball and baseball continue to dominate the country’s sporting landscape.
Despite that, the tournament has generated optimism among existing supporters. Around three-quarters of U.S. soccer fans believe the World Cup will increase interest in the sport nationwide, while more than half rate the U.S. men’s national team’s performance positively. The survey was conducted before the Americans’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The poll also found growing fan engagement beyond the pitch. Around 40% of Americans have followed the tournament on social media, about one in four have watched matches in bars or restaurants, and roughly one in five have attended watch parties or purchased official World Cup merchandise.
While the World Cup has boosted soccer’s visibility across the United States, the findings suggest the sport still has ground to cover before it rivals the country’s traditional sporting favourites.
