When the FIFA World Cup first came to the U.S. in 1994, soccer was somewhat of a passing interest for many Americans. It was mostly seen as a weekend sport for kids just before heading into Little League or football practice.
The impact of the 1994 World Cup was significant, as it shifted how soccer was perceived in America. It paved the way for Major League Soccer, which started two years later, and introduced countless Americans to the game.
Now, three decades later, as the World Cup prepares to return to the U.S. for 2026, the stats present a much different story. They show that soccer has evolved from a mere curiosity to one of the country’s most robust sporting markets.
A recent report from Nielsen highlighted that U.S. viewers watched soccer for an astounding 79.8 billion minutes just in 2025. That figure is staggering compared to what one could have imagined back in 1994.
For context, roughly 11 million Americans tuned in to watch the knockout match between the U.S. and Brazil in 1994—a record for soccer at the time.
Fast forward to today: soccer competes for the spotlight alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, no longer struggling for relevance. According to Nielsen, 33% of Americans predict their interest in soccer will rise not just this summer, but throughout the next 18 months. That expectation leaps to 64% among current soccer fans.
Interestingly, this growth isn’t just reflected in TV ratings.
About 80% of American soccer enthusiasts are active on social media, seeking sports updates and content. This is a marketer’s dream and considerably higher than the average across the general population. Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are especially engaged, frequently streaming games, browsing highlights, playing soccer video games, and even ordering takeout while watching soccer matches from home.
Nowhere is this commitment clearer than in Los Angeles.
Among the 11 U.S. host cities for the 2026 World Cup, Los Angeles stands out. Around 5.6 million soccer fans live in the area, making up about 43% of the local population.
In 2025 alone, Angelenos played nearly 4 billion minutes of soccer—almost double the 2.5 billion minutes played in New York, despite its larger population.
Viewer ratings show that soccer fans in Los Angeles favor Spain’s La Liga, Mexico’s Liga MX, the UEFA Champions League, and the English Premier League. This highlights the diverse soccer culture in Southern California.
Additionally, around 83% of Los Angeles soccer supporters turn to Instagram for sports content, distinctly higher than the national average.
These figures clarify why FIFA has entrusted Los Angeles with such a crucial role during the tournament.
In 1994, the city hosted the World Cup final between Brazil and Italy. In 2026, Los Angeles will hold eight matches, including the quarterfinals, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Over the past 32 years, America’s relationship with soccer has shifted immensely—from a casual interest to a genuine passion.
The big question now is how many fans will show up when the World Cup kicks off this summer.
