U.S. Embraces Global Game: FIFA Club World Cup Success Builds Buzz for 2026

Soccer is gaining significant traction in the U.S. sports landscape, challenging traditional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Recent data from YouGov's July 2025 U.S. Sports Custom Survey indicates growing interest, particularly among younger audiences, with the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 serving as a key indicator of this trend. The positive engagement sets a promising stage for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the U.S.

Viewership for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 was notably strong, especially among U.S. sports fans aged 18-34. This demographic was 70% more likely to have watched at least one match compared to the general sports audience (58% vs. 34%). Soccer fans showed the highest engagement, with 82% tuning in for at least one game, highlighting the tournament's appeal to its core audience.

The primary reasons for viewership included the "quality of the competition," cited by 35% of respondents, who were drawn to the high caliber of play and prestige of participating clubs. The U.S. hosting the event was the second most influential factor (31%), followed by the opportunity to see teams from different regions compete (29%), emphasizing the importance of both global diversity and local relevance.

The revamped format of the tournament received widespread optimism, with 50% of U.S. sports fans viewing the changes positively. Younger fans (aged 18-34) were even more enthusiastic, with 62% supporting the new format, while soccer fans showed the highest approval at 74%. This indicates that FIFA's expansion and restructuring efforts are resonating well.

The event exceeded expectations for many viewers, with 44% of U.S. sports fans stating it surpassed their pre-tournament expectations. This figure rose to 54% among younger fans and 57% among soccer fans, underscoring the tournament's success in not only capturing attention but also delivering beyond promises.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 also served as a precursor to the FIFA World Cup 2026, boosting confidence in the U.S.'s preparedness to co-host. Among those who shared their opinion, 58% of U.S. sports fans believe the country is ready, with higher confidence among younger fans (62%) and soccer fans (70%).

With less than a year until the FIFA World Cup 2026, 38% of U.S. sports fans plan to watch, a number that jumps to 55% among 18-34-year-olds and 83% among soccer fans. These figures suggest the event is poised to be a major cultural moment, particularly for younger demographics.

Overall, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 successfully captured the attention of U.S. sports fans, laying a solid foundation for soccer's continued growth in the country. If these trends persist, the FIFA World Cup 2026 could represent a watershed moment for the sport in the United States.