USMNT draws record audience in 2026 World Cup despite Round of 16 exit

The USMNT's opening match against Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup attracted 27.5 million viewers, the highest ever for a U.S. broadcast. Despite this record interest, the team exited the tournament after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16. This outcome mirrors a common trend where the team struggles to advance past the early knockout stages in recent World Cups. Interest in soccer in the U.S. is growing, with 12% of Americans actively following the sport as of 2026, up from 8% in 2022. The challenge now for U.S. Soccer is converting this newfound enthusiasm into sustained support for domestic leagues and future national team matches.

• 6:10 PMYahoo Sports — USMNT's Home World Cup: Record Interest, Same Ceiling