Only about 2 in 10 U.S. adults consider themselves fans of international or U.S. soccer, even as this year’s World Cup has lifted attention and the U.S. team reached the knockout stage.
Among soccer fans, roughly 6 in 10 were highly excited by the U.S. advancing, and 55% said the men’s team was performing extremely or very well in polling conducted June 26-28.
Interest remains limited beyond the fan base: 17% of Americans said they were highly excited for the rest of the tournament, while 24% said the World Cup had increased their own interest in soccer.
Engagement has still spread through other channels, with 4 in 10 Americans following on social media, about one-quarter going to or planning to watch at a bar or restaurant, and 1 in 10 placing an official bet.
The survey also showed weak sentiment toward FIFA, with only about 20% of Americans viewing it favorably, 25% unfavorably and 55% expressing no opinion.