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The United States is set to host its first World Cup tournament alongside Canada and Mexico. However, a recent study by Ipsos reveals that approximately 59% of Americans feel that it is too expensive for the average American to attend a game at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament.
The study also revealed other broader findings. Notably, while about 64% of Americans have heard about the tournament, only 36% say that they plan on watching the game in some form. Additionally, while most Americans say that they are proud of seeing the national team participate, many expect it to perform poorly.
Interestingly, loyalty to the national team could also be divided based on family heritage, especially among Hispanic Americans.
Too expensive for the average American
Overall, 59% of Americans say that the cost of attending a World Cup game is too high for the average American. 76% of those who plan on watching the game also feel the same.
In contrast, only 2% of all Americans and 16% of those planning to watch the game think it is unaffordable. 37% of all Americans and 18% of those planning to watch say that they are not sure about the costs.
Little excitement surrounding the World Cup
The study also reveals that approximately two-thirds (64%) of Americans say that they have heard at least a little about the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament. However, only a modest fraction of them, approximately 7%, say that they are very or extremely excited about the game. 26% say that they are only somewhat excited.
36% of Americans, approximately a third of the population, plan to watch the tournament in some form. 18% plan to watch on live TV, 15% prefer streaming, while another 15% are only interested in highlights and viral clips. Only 1% of those who plan to watch will attend the games in-person.
Notably, 64% of those who plan on watching the tournament report feeling at least somewhat excited. This might translate into interest in sports betting as well.
Proud but not expecting much
52% of Americans and 70% of those who plan to watch say that the national team’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 makes them “very” or “somewhat” proud to be an American.
Notably, this finding was based on the phrase: “U.S. team’s performance and participation in the World Cup makes me proud to be an American.”
Interestingly, the feeling of national pride varied based on political affiliations.
- Republicans were especially proud at 67%, followed by Independents at 53% and Democrats at 46%.
- Pride also varied based on age. 67% of Americans aged 65 and above were proud, as well as 62% of those aged between 50 and 64.
- The numbers were lower among middle-aged and younger Americans: 40% among those aged 35-49, and 42% among those aged 18-34.
However, while many Americans are proud, few have high expectations for the U.S. team. 58% of those who plan on watching say that the statement “I don’t have high expectations for the U.S. in the World Cup” describes their views well.
Additionally, 37% say that they wouldn’t be disappointed if the U.S. didn’t win the World Cup.
Divided loyalties
Not all Americans will be rooting for the U.S. team to win the World Cup, mostly due to family heritage. 41% of overall Americans and 70% of those who plan on watching say that there are other countries that they enjoy rooting for.
Moreover, 24% of all Americans and 46% of those who will watch say that they root for other countries because of their family heritage.
This is especially common among Hispanic Americans, with 45% saying that they root for other countries besides the U.S. because of their family heritage. In contrast, only 19% of non-Hispanic Americans say the same.
