'There's a World Cup happening?' Are Americans excited about the tournament?

The FIFA World Cup commenced on June 20, 2024, with a notable lack of widespread public excitement in the United States. A poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that only 15% of Americans expressed significant interest in the tournament. This low engagement is further underscored by the fact that 40% of respondents were unaware the World Cup was even taking place. The survey, which polled 1,068 adults between June 7 and June 10, 2024, indicated a generational divide in awareness, with younger Americans (18-29 years old) showing higher interest levels compared to older demographics. Despite the global popularity of soccer, its professional leagues and major tournaments have historically struggled to capture the sustained attention of the American mainstream audience, often overshadowed by established sports like American football, basketball, and baseball. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, represents a significant opportunity for soccer's growth in the U.S., but current sentiment suggests a considerable awareness gap remains to be bridged.