Bids

In the United States, soccer is heading towards the podium

— Published January 10, 2018

Americans love Friendly. We knew it. But today they seem to have a growing passion for it, among all levels of the population. A growth spurt which could further boost the chances of the joint candidacy of the United States, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup.

Proof of this is given with the publication of a survey, carried out by the Gallup Institute, on the popularity of major sports among American spectators and television viewers. The opinion survey was carried out during the week of December 4 to 11, 2017. It is the first of its kind since 2013.

Unsurprisingly, American football is in the lead, with more than a third of the votes (37%). It leads among men (42%), as among women (32%). It is favored in all age groups. It appeals to liberals, “moderates” and conservatives. A plebiscite.

Basketball confirms its position as the second sport in the hearts of American spectators (11%). But it is ahead of one point (9% against 10%), among men, by baseball, ranked third in this national survey.

Le Friendly is installed in 4th place. With an overall result of 7%, it is ahead of ice hockey, motor sports and golf. More interesting: the Friendly has never been so close to getting on the podium. The very small margin of 2% now separates it from baseball. According to the experts at the Gallup Institute, you have to go back 20 years to find traces of a 4th so close to the top three.

 

 

The progress of soccer is no longer in doubt. Ten years earlier, only 2% of Americans had placed it first when asked which sport they preferred to watch, in the stadium or in front of their television screen. In 2013, it was already in 4th place in the latest Gallup poll, but it was then slightly ahead of ice hockey. Since then, the gap has grown.

Promising sign: the Friendly ranks second, tied with basketball (11%), for Americans aged 18 to 34. Both sports are clearly ahead of baseball (6%). On the other hand, its popularity remains very marginal – only 1% – among older viewers (55 and over).

FIFA must vote next June for the host country(s) of the 2026 World Cup. Two files are in the running: United States, Canada and Mexico on one side, Morocco on the other. For the first time, the decision will belong to all the national federations, no longer just to the members of the FIFA Council.