A new poll commissioned by Ipsos Sports and shared with The Associated Press indicates that the World Cup generates enthusiasm among soccer fans, but it has not driven a broad, lasting surge in soccer popularity across the United States. Across coverage of the findings, outlets report that many Americans show increased interest during the tournament, yet excitement remains limited compared with other major U.S. sports.
Fortune reports that only a small share of U.S. adults—17%—say they are highly excited, despite momentum from the U.S. men’s national team. The reporting also suggests that engagement is being driven more by betting activity and social media attention than by deeper, sustained fandom.
Overall, the sources agree that the World Cup is capturing attention and boosting interest among existing followers, but that the sport’s mainstream presence in the U.S. still lags. Other outlets characterize this as evidence that the U.S. is not yet a “soccer nation,” based on the poll’s measures of excitement and mainstream popularity.
