This summer the biggest World Cup ever is being hosted in North America. Instead of the regular 32 team tournament, the playing field has expanded to 48 teams to allow more teams and players to compete in the biggest sporting event in the world. The World Cup is hosted every four years, and the last World Cup final between France and Argentina fetched the most viewers of any sporting event in history. This year’s World Cup will be hosted by three different countries: Mexico, Canada, and the United States of America. I believe that this World Cup will change the sports landscape in the US forever.Â
Looking at statistics from FOR SOCCER, research shows that the 2022 World Cup broke multiple viewership records for the United States. Viewership from Americans compared to the 2018 World Cup rose by more than 20% in 2022. Not only did Americans watch their home countries’ matches, they also showed record breaking viewership in matches not included the American team. The match between Brazil and Serbia fetched the most American viewers in a match that didn’t include Team USA. Americans bought more than 147 million tickets to watch the games live as well. This number was the highest out of any visiting countries.
As American viewership keeps increasing tournament by tournament, American viewership will only continue to grow. With the U.S. being a host country this year, it will provide hundreds of different ways for people to get involved with the sport and become a fan. There are several different states hosting games making it more available for American fans. Festivals and live watch parties will be available all over the country. Team USA receives an automatic bid to the tournament this year, so fans will be able to cheer on their home country.
What I think is more important is youth participation in soccer. There was already an increase following the 2022 World Cup. I think there will be a massive increase in youth participation following this tournament, especially with the U.S. in the tournament. Watching games on the television will inspire kids to want to play the sport themselves. Just like Lebron James or Patrick Mahomes, kids will be inspired by top players all over the world.Â
Ultimately, I think the sport of soccer will be on the rise in the near future. With the United States hosting the upcoming tournament, we will only see increases in viewership and participation in youth soccer.
