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What polling shows about Americans’ interest in the World Cup and USMNT
By Linley Sanders, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 5 min read
This World Cup has given U.S. soccer fans plenty to cheer about — even if a new survey shows most Americans are still on the sidelines. New polling from Ipsos Sports, provided exclusively to The Associated Press, shows that the World Cup has excited soccer fans and piqued many Americans’ interest...
Key takeaway adults were excited about the United States making it to the knockout round of the World Cup.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , the World Cup's excitement has likely resonated with the city's diverse population, where soccer is already a popular sport. The poll's findings that most Americans are still not avid soccer fans may not hold true in this community, where international soccer matches often draw large and enthusiastic crowds. The US men's national team's performance in the World Cup may have sparked interest among local residents, particularly in areas with strong Hispanic and Latin American roots, where soccer is a deeply ingrained part of the culture. As the tournament progresses, San Antonio's soccer fans will likely continue to gather in local bars, restaurants, and parks to watch the matches, creating a lively and festive atmosphere that reflects the city's vibrant cultural scene. The question remains whether this surge in interest will translate into long-term support for local soccer teams and programs.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? This World Cup has given U.S. soccer fans plenty to cheer about — even if a new survey shows most Americans are still on the sidelines. New polling from Ipsos Sports, provided exclusively to The Associated Press, shows that the World Cup has excited soccer fans and piqued many Americans’ interest...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Linley Sanders, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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