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Posted on 06/08/2026 8:33:28 AM PDT by MinorityRepublican
It’s time again for the quadrennial question: Can this be the World Cup that finally converts U.S. sports fans to soccer fanatics?
In 2026, the answer might be yes, or at least closer than ever. For the first time since 1994, the FIFA World Cup is being played on (North) American soil, and polling suggests an attitude shift. According to Numerator research, nearly a third of U.S. adults now plan to watch the 2026 tournament, up from 26% in January. YouGov data shows that 43% of U.S. sports fans cite hosting the tournament as a key reason they plan to tune in, which is the single biggest driver of viewership intent. And Nielsen reported in October that 37% of the general population expects their interest in soccer to grow over the next 18 months.
But pretournament enthusiasm and sustained fandom are different things. Before speculating on how this year will be different, it’s important to unpack why the world’s most popular sport has failed to capture and hold American audiences.
Why Soccer Never Became America’s Favorite Sport
NFL football is and has been the dominant U.S. television draw since the late 20th century. Even in our era of media fragmentation and atomized taste, American football consistently dominates the ratings, surviving along with election nights as one of our last durable media events. The Super Bowl remains the apotheosis of American ritualized mass viewing. In February 2025, 127.7 million viewers tuned in to watch the Philadelphia Eagles crush the Kansas City Chiefs, making it the most-watched single telecast in American history. Super Bowl LX, played this past February, hit a 15-minute peak of 137.8 million viewers during the second quarter.
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
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I hope not.
LOL, no way in Hades.
I needed a good laugh.
No. The steady growth of the MLS might, if they can manage to keep it up. But Americans just aren’t into international competition. Even the ones we win (which counts men’s soccer out) are side trophies to American audiences.
If so, we’ll know God has answered Obama’s pastor Jeremiah Wright’s prayer to damn America.
Drive through farm country in North Carolina.
We are already a soccer nation. When the kids grow up, they are not going to be playing football or baseball.
If so, we’ll know God has answered Obama’s pastor Jeremiah Wright’s prayer to damn America.
Where I live, the kids are playing Cricket.
LOL. This poor writer sounds like Charlie Brown with Lucy and the football. Is he finally going to get to kick it this time?
I like soccer - but usually just the Mens National Team.
I don’t watch much MLS or EPL.
I played soccer from 4th grade through high school in which I was a goalkeeper.
It’s fun to play, but not so much to watch.
We’re a Baseball Nation and always will be.
The article says soccer is better because, "Television elsewhere largely followed a public broadcasting model. Even today, less than 35% of the BBC’s income is from advertising; the rest comes from mandatory licensing fees paid by individuals, households, pubs, and bookmakers who use its services." The implication being that socialized TV would promote seemingly superior sports like soccer. LOL
They already now have “Hydration Breaks”, in the middle of a half for players to rest and get some water.
I suspect it will eventually be incorporated into every soccer game, to give the networks a block of five minutes of advertising in the middle of each half.
It’s already now considered the #3 sport in the country, according to Fox Sports. But it will never move up higher than #2 basketball or #1 football. Never.
“Will the 2026 World Cup make America a soccer nation?”
Nope
Theres just too much running and too little scoring. I admire the athleticism and skill but it’s like a scoreless game in any sport. Maybe widen the goal or give players two or three times each game when they can use their hands.
These changes would ruin the historic game but I just cant get into watching people run.
NO. Soccer is ghey! LOL
Where I live the kids are playing polo.
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