Introduction
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the United States is gearing up to host two major football tournaments: the national team competition and the club tournament. This unique situation reflects the political landscape shaped by Donald Trump’s second presidential term and its implications for FIFA. With an anticipated 6 million football enthusiasts from Asia, Latin America, Africa, Europe, and around the globe, the tournament aims to boost football interest in the U.S. by 62%. According to Nielsen Fan Insights, this surge in popularity is expected as the country prepares to welcome teams from diverse regions.
The Current Landscape of Football in the U.S.
Currently, attendance at the Mundial de Clubes and the Copa América has shown mixed results. Factors influencing attendance include an oversaturation of football products, fan fatigue from numerous matches, and political tensions stemming from government raids and migration concerns. Despite these challenges, some games have seen strong attendance, such as Inter Miami’s match with over 60,000 spectators and PSG vs. Atlético Madrid at the Rose Bowl.
Expert Insights on Attendance
Walter Franco, director of Victus Advisors, a sports industry consulting firm, explains that attendance impacts not only football but also other sports like the NBA and NFL. He highlights scheduling conflicts with the Copa América, midweek games, and work-hour timings as factors affecting attendance. The expansion of the Club World Cup to 32 teams also presents challenges for lesser-known clubs like Auckland City from New Zealand, which lack global brand recognition.
Football’s Growing Popularity in the U.S.
Although only 27% of the U.S. population identifies as football fans, this still accounts for 62.2 million people, making the U.S. the fourth-largest football fanbase globally. Between the 2026 FIFA World Cup and major tournaments in 2025 and 2027, football’s popularity is expected to rise significantly.
Regional Tournament Planning
CONCACAF and FIFA have agreed to host the Copa América on the West Coast and the Club World Cup on the East Coast. Felipe Cárdenas, a journalist covering the Club World Cup games in Atlanta and Miami for The Athletic, notes that fans face challenges in following multiple tournaments during the summer vacation season, alongside work and important labor months. Political tensions add another layer of complexity, which may persist into the 2026 World Cup.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How will political tensions impact the 2026 World Cup? A: Political tensions, including migration concerns and government raids, may continue to affect attendance and fan interest. However, sports can provide a welcome distraction for people amidst these challenges.
- Q: What are the main factors affecting attendance at current football tournaments in the U.S.? A: Factors include fan fatigue from numerous matches, scheduling conflicts with the Copa América, and political tensions.
- Q: How is FIFA addressing the growing popularity of football in the U.S.? A: With anticipated increased interest ahead of major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup, FIFA is working to capitalize on football’s expanding fanbase in the U.S.
- Q: What challenges do lesser-known football clubs face in the expanded Club World Cup? A: Lesser-known clubs, such as Auckland City from New Zealand, struggle with limited global brand recognition and may find it difficult to compete alongside more established teams.
