Soccer's Popularity in the U.S. Soars Ahead of 2026 World Cup
America’s soccer appetite explodes since last World Cup on US soil
Image: New York Post
Since the 1994 FIFA World Cup, soccer's popularity in the United States has surged dramatically. A Nielsen report reveals Americans watched soccer for 79.8 billion minutes in 2025, with 33% expecting increased interest leading up to the 2026 World Cup. Los Angeles emerges as a key hub for soccer engagement.
- 01In 2025, U.S. viewers spent 79.8 billion minutes watching soccer, a significant increase from 1994.
- 0233% of Americans anticipate heightened interest in soccer over the next 18 months, rising to 64% among current fans.
- 03Los Angeles has 5.6 million soccer fans, representing 43% of its population, and consumed roughly 4 billion minutes of soccer in 2025.
- 04Nearly 80% of American soccer fans use social media for sports content, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z.
- 05Los Angeles will host eight matches, including quarterfinals, during the 2026 World Cup, highlighting its importance in U.S. soccer culture.
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Soccer has transformed from a casual pastime to a major sport in the United States since the 1994 FIFA World Cup. A recent Nielsen report indicates that in 2025, U.S. viewers collectively watched soccer for an astonishing 79.8 billion minutes. This marks a significant cultural shift, as soccer now competes for attention alongside major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, 33% of Americans expect their interest in soccer to grow, with this figure rising to 64% among existing fans. Engagement is particularly high in Los Angeles, which boasts 5.6 million soccer fans, consuming about 4 billion minutes of soccer content in 2025. The city's diverse population contributes to its vibrant soccer culture, with 83% of fans using Instagram for sports news. Los Angeles will play a crucial role in the upcoming World Cup, hosting eight matches at SoFi Stadium, further solidifying its status as a soccer hub.
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The growing interest in soccer is expected to boost local economies, especially in host cities like Los Angeles, through increased tourism and related activities during the World Cup.
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