Home / Sports / US Soccer Fever Ignites: World Cup Fans Surge
US Soccer Fever Ignites: World Cup Fans Surge
17 Jul
Summary
- Americans are becoming avid soccer fans thanks to the 2026 World Cup co-hosting.
- US World Cup viewership saw a 92% increase, reaching new historical highs.
- New fans find soccer more engaging than American football or baseball.
The prospect of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup has ignited a passion for soccer across the United States. Individuals, previously unfamiliar with the sport, are becoming avid fans, drawn in by the global spectacle and national pride. This growing enthusiasm is reflected in unprecedented viewership numbers.
Fox reported that over 30 million viewers tuned in for the USA's match against Belgium, setting a new record for English-language soccer broadcasts in the US. Across all 72 matches aired, an average of 5.1 million viewers across Fox, FS1, and Tubi were recorded, marking a significant 92% increase from the 2022 World Cup.
This newfound interest transcends casual viewing. Many new fans, including those who previously found other sports inaccessible, are now deeply engaged with soccer. They are actively seeking to understand the game more deeply, indicating a lasting shift in sports preferences.
