Is the US Finally Embracing Soccer? The World Cup Hype vs. Reality

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is on the horizon, and the buzz in the United States is undeniable. Record-breaking viewership, sold-out watch parties, and a growing fanbase suggest that soccer—or football, as the rest of the world calls it—might finally be carving out a permanent place in American sports culture. Yet, despite the hype, a new poll reveals a hard truth: the US is still far from being a true soccer nation.

The World Cup Effect: A Temporary Fever or Lasting Love?

There’s no denying the excitement. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar saw Americans tuning in like never before, with NPR reporting record-breaking numbers for US viewership. Social media exploded with memes, debates, and celebrations, while cities across the country hosted packed fan zones. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, promises to take this to another level—with matches on home soil for the first time since 1994.

But is this just a quadrennial fling, or are Americans genuinely falling for the beautiful game? The AP News poll suggests the latter may not yet be the case. While interest spikes during major tournaments, soccer still struggles to compete with the NFL, NBA, and MLB in day-to-day relevance. The question lingers: Will the passion outlast the final whistle?

MLS and the Grassroots Challenge

If the US wants to become a soccer powerhouse, its domestic league must step up. Major League Soccer (MLS) has grown in leaps and bounds since its 1996 inception, expanding to 29 teams and attracting global stars like Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. Yet, as the Los Angeles Times commentary points out, MLS still has major goals to achieve.

Attendance figures are strong, but TV ratings pale in comparison to Europe’s top leagues. The quality of play, while improving, often falls short of the Premier League or La Liga. And while youth participation in soccer is booming—over 4 million kids play in the US—many still see it as a stepping stone rather than a lifelong pursuit.

For soccer to truly take root, MLS must become more than a retirement home for aging stars. It needs to develop homegrown talent, foster rivalries that captivate casual fans, and create a culture where local clubs feel as essential as the Packers or the Yankees.

The Global Fanbase: A Sign of Things to Come?

One intriguing trend is the rise of USMNT (US Men’s National Team) fandom abroad. As The Athletic highlights, American supporters are now a common sight in stadiums from Tangier to Tokushima, waving stars and stripes alongside local fans. This diaspora of passion suggests that the US is slowly building a global soccer identity—one that could trickle back home.

Yet, for every die-hard fan chanting in a pub at 3 AM, there are millions of Americans who still see soccer as a secondary sport. The BBC’s question—Has football fever taken hold in the US?—remains unanswered. The 2026 World Cup could be the catalyst, but only if the momentum extends beyond the tournament.

What’s Next for Soccer in America?

The path forward requires more than just World Cup hype. Here’s what could help soccer cement its place in the US:

• Youth Development: Invest in academies and grassroots programs to produce world-class talent.
• Media Exposure: Secure better TV deals and coverage to make MLS and international soccer more accessible.
• Cultural Shift: Encourage a soccer-first mentality in schools and communities, not just as an alternative to other sports.
• Fan Engagement: Create traditions, rivalries, and in-stadium experiences that rival the NFL’s tailgates or baseball’s seventh-inning stretch.

The 2026 World Cup is a golden opportunity, but as the poll reminds us, interest doesn’t equal identity. For the US to truly become a soccer nation, the love for the game must outlast the tournament’s final match.