A few weeks ago, we highlighted World Cup’s role in the rise of soccer fandom in the U.S. over the past 30 years. The key takeaway was that pro soccer fandom increased by 8% in World Cup years and declined by 1% in all other years.
With the tournament about to enter the knockout stage, this week we look at how World Cup avid fandom compares with pro soccer for key groups in 2026.
Sports Poll shows that 15% of Americans identify as avid World Cup fans, compared to 11% for pro soccer (data from January-May 2026). Avid fandom for the World Cup is 34% higher than pro soccer for the U.S. population. The impact is especially powerful with Hispanics. Avid fandom is 43% higher for the World Cup with Hispanics, including 58% more with Spanish-dominant Hispanics. Even though older Americans tend to be less interested in soccer in general, World Cup avid fandom is 49% higher with people 55 and older. The expectation (and hope) is that many of these fans will continue to engage in soccer at higher levels after the tournament ends.
There is potential for this World Cup to have an even greater impact on soccer fandom over the next month. Both the U.S. and Mexico have already clinched spots in the knockout stage, so casual soccer fans (and non-fans) will have more incentive to tune in. Lionel Messi (Americans’ favorite pro athlete) and Argentina will continue playing in the knockout stage as well. There will also be less competition for sports fans’ attention now that the NBA and NHL seasons have ended.
For more information on the World Cup and other major sporting events, reach out to us.
Sports Poll by SSRS is conducted continuously throughout the year and includes a nationally representative sample of more than 24,000 Americans each year.
