A new survey from Ipsos Sports shows that while most Americans are not excited about the World Cup, soccer fans in the US are pleased with the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) performance. The poll found that about 6 in 10 soccer fans were “extremely” or “very” excited about the US advancing to the knockout round.

USMNT Performance

The USMNT has historically struggled in the knockout rounds, but fans are optimistic about their chances this year. The poll found that most soccer fans, 55%, said the US team’s performance was going “extremely well” or “very well”. About half of soccer fans also said the US’s role in co-hosting the World Cup is going at least “very” well.

However, there is less enthusiasm for FIFA’s role in managing the World Cup. Only about one-third of soccer fans in the US say that’s going “extremely” or “very” well. FIFA has faced criticism for enforcing mandated hydration breaks and cooperating with travel restrictions and visa refusals against Iran.

Interest in Soccer

Despite the excitement among soccer fans, the poll found that only about 2 in 10 Americans consider themselves fans of international or US soccer. About 2 in 10 US adults say they are “extremely” or “very” excited about the rest of the World Cup. However, most Americans expect that the World Cup will increase other Americans’ interest in soccer, even if they themselves are not more interested.

Soccer fans are especially optimistic, with about three-quarters expecting this year’s World Cup to increase Americans’ general interest in soccer. About half of soccer fans say the World Cup has increased their own interest in the sport.

Many Americans will watch games or follow the World Cup on social media. About 4 in 10 US adults, including about half of soccer fans, say they have used social media to keep up with teams and players. Roughly one-quarter of Americans have gone to a restaurant or bar to watch a game or plan to do so.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.