Will World Cup 2026 make soccer more popular in the USA?

Probably yes — at least in the short term, and likely somewhat beyond that.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup should boost soccer’s visibility in the U.S. because it’s being hosted across North America, with many matches in the United States. Two signs point that way:

• A May 2026 YouGov finding says 43% of U.S. sports fans cite the U.S. hosting the tournament as a key reason they plan to watch.
• A January 2026 U.S. government update says the tournament could bring up to 10 million international visitors to the United States.

That said, the bigger question is whether the bump lasts after the tournament. World Cups often create a surge of attention that fades unless it converts into more MLS, NWSL, youth participation, and ongoing TV/media interest. So the safest answer is: yes, World Cup 2026 is very likely to make soccer more popular in the USA, but the size and permanence of that boost are not guaranteed.