U.S. Soccer Fandom Surges Ahead Of 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nielsen Finds

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With less than a year to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, soccer’s popularity in the United States is poised for a major breakthrough, according to a new report from Nielsen.

The research firm found that 37% of the U.S. general population expects their interest in soccer to rise over the next 18 months, while nearly three-quarters (74%) of current World Cup fans anticipate becoming even more engaged. The growth is being driven largely by Hispanic communities and younger audiences, who are fueling the sport’s expanding cultural footprint.