Myth: No One in the U.S. Actually Watches It
The belief that the World Cup pulls dismal ratings in the U.S. is one of the most persistent, and most inaccurate, myths about the sport. It’s a narrative leftover from the 1980s, not the 2020s. While it’s true that soccer isn’t the NFL, the numbers for the World Cup are staggering and often competitive with America’s own marquee events. The Fact: Viewership is massive and growing. The 2022 Men's World Cup final between Argentina and France drew nearly 26 million viewers in the U.S. across Fox and Telemundo. For context, that’s more than the viewership for the 2023 World Series clincher or the average NBA Finals game that year. Even group stage matches featuring the U.S. Men's National Team regularly pull in 15-20 million viewers, figures that rival
high-stakes NFL regular season games. The tournament doesn't just draw viewers; it creates a month-long media event that dominates social media and morning talk shows.
Myth: It’s Only for Immigrants and Expats
There's a kernel of truth that fuels this myth: immigrant communities have long been the backbone of soccer culture in America, bringing their passion and historical rivalries to U.S. cities. Their viewing parties, parades, and celebrations are a vibrant, essential part of the World Cup experience here.
The Fact: This passion has become a bridge, not a barrier. The World Cup is a unique cultural event where first-, second-, and third-generation Americans connect with their heritage in a public, celebratory way. But the appeal has gone mainstream. Millions of Americans with no direct connection to the competing nations now eagerly participate. They fill out brackets, join office pools, and adopt a team for the month (often whichever one has a star player they know or a compelling underdog story). It’s become a shared social ritual, an excuse to gather at bars at 10 a.m. on a weekday and be part of a global conversation.
Myth: The Hype Disappears After the Final Whistle
The common criticism is that Americans are “event fans” who catch soccer fever for a month every four years, only to forget about the sport completely once the trophy is lifted. To the casual observer, it might seem like the circus leaves town for another 47 months.
The Fact: The World Cup acts as a powerful gateway drug for soccer fandom. Each tournament creates a new class of fans who, captivated by a player or a team's style, start following club soccer. Viewership and engagement with England's Premier League, Spain's La Liga, and Mexico's Liga MX have exploded in the U.S. More importantly, Major League Soccer (MLS) sees a definitive bump in interest and attendance post-World Cup. The tournament introduces characters—like Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappé—who fans can then follow year-round. It’s not a temporary spike; it’s a recurring catalyst that permanently raises the sport's baseline popularity.
Myth: It Can’t Compete with ‘Real’ American Sports
This argument frames sports as a zero-sum game. The thinking goes that in a country dominated by the NFL, NBA, and MLB, there’s simply no room in the collective consciousness for another major sporting event to truly break through.
The Fact: The World Cup doesn't compete; it occupies its own unique space. Unlike a weekly football game or a drawn-out baseball season, the World Cup is a concentrated, nation-versus-nation festival. Its short, intense format creates daily drama and clear stakes that are easy for anyone to follow. It’s less like a league season and more like the Olympics—a global cultural phenomenon that transcends sport. Americans have proven they have an immense appetite for this kind of event-driven viewing. It’s a communal experience that complements, rather than replaces, their love for domestic leagues.
