World Cup Boosts American Interest in Soccer, Says U.S. CEO

WHO:

AOL.com - FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated, “soccer conquered America and America has become now a soccer country.”

Sports Business Journal - JT Batson is the CEO and secretary general of U.S. Soccer.

WHAT:

Business Wire - Short-term rental income in U.S. host markets increased 421% compared to June 2025, with a 60% year-over-year increase among hosts active in both June 2025 and June 2026.

Business Wire - In Miami, short-term rental income increased by over 709%, while Kansas City saw a 607% increase, and Dallas-Fort Worth experienced a 587% increase during the tournament period.

Games Press - The U.S. experienced a 63% increase in engagement on gaming platforms during the World Cup, with overall platform engagement remaining well above pre-tournament baselines throughout the event.

Yahoo Sports - A record 6.8 million fans attended the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, creating lasting memories and excitement for soccer in the U.S.

CoStar - June hotel revenue per available room in the U.S. grew 8.4% compared to June 2025, driven by the World Cup.

CoStar - Non-World Cup markets in the U.S. saw a 6.8% RevPAR jump during June 2026.

Games Press - Analysis of over 4 million gaming sessions during the World Cup showed that the U.S. experienced a 63% increase in engagement on gaming platforms.

Games Press - India saw a 188% increase in gaming traffic during the World Cup, the highest among analyzed markets.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. Open Cup is set to feature a new format that could create local underdog stories, similar to March Madness, with a focus on increasing national television coverage.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. Open Cup currently airs the majority of its games on Paramount+, with some earlier-round games on YouTube and some later games simulcast on CBS Sports Network and CBS Golazo Network.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. men's national team (USMNT) had a match against Belgium that attracted over 50 million viewers.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. Open Cup is the oldest ongoing soccer competition in the country, dating back to 1913.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. Open Cup is set to feature a new format that could create local underdog stories, similar to March Madness, with a focus on increasing national television coverage.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. men's national team (USMNT) had a match against Belgium that attracted over 50 million viewers.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. Open Cup is the oldest ongoing soccer competition in the country, dating back to 1913.

AOL.com - A survey revealed that 26% of respondents watched soccer for the first time during the 2026 World Cup, with 33% of American men and 19% of women engaging with the sport for the first time.

AOL.com - 60% of male respondents expressed a desire to follow an MLS team after the World Cup, while 64% of Millennial men indicated they would follow an MLS team.

AOL.com - 53% of respondents expressed interest in traveling to Europe to watch soccer matches.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. Open Cup is set to feature a new format that could create local underdog stories, similar to March Madness, with a focus on increasing national television coverage.

AOL.com - A July 2026 survey revealed that 52% of respondents want to own Lionel Messi’s Argentina jersey, while 44% want Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal jersey, and 36% want Erling Haaland’s jersey.

AOL.com - The survey indicated that 39% of respondents would choose to watch soccer over the NFL, and 49% would choose it over college football.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. Open Cup is set to feature a new format that could create local underdog stories, similar to March Madness, with a focus on increasing national television coverage.

AOL.com - A survey revealed that 39% of respondents would choose to watch soccer over the MLB.

AOL.com - 53% of respondents expressed interest in traveling to Europe to watch soccer matches.

AOL.com - 6 in 10 male respondents indicated they would follow an MLS team after the World Cup.

AOL.com - 45% of Millennial women expressed interest in following an MLS team.

AOL.com - 42% of Millennial women selected Jude Bellingham's jersey as one of their top three most wanted jerseys.

AOL.com - 44% of respondents want Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal jersey.

AOL.com - 36% of respondents want Erling Haaland’s jersey.

AOL.com - 65% of Millennial men expressed intent to see a Premier League or La Liga match live.

AOL.com - 58% of female Millennials want to travel to Europe to watch soccer matches.

Sports Business Journal - Batson stated that the U.S. Open Cup could create local underdog stories, similar to March Madness.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. Open Cup is the oldest ongoing soccer competition in the country, dating back to 1913.

AOL.com - A July 2026 survey revealed that 26% of respondents watched soccer for the first time during the 2026 World Cup, with 33% of American men and 19% of women engaging with the sport for the first time.

AOL.com - Among Millennial men, 34% reported beginning their soccer-watching journey during the World Cup.

AOL.com - 60% of male respondents expressed a desire to follow an MLS team after the World Cup, while 64% of Millennial men indicated they would follow an MLS team.

AOL.com - Jude Bellingham's jersey was selected by 42% of Millennial women as one of their top three most wanted jerseys.

Sports Business Journal - Batson stated that the U.S. Open Cup could create local underdog stories, similar to March Madness, and emphasized the need for better national television coverage for the tournament.

AOL.com - A survey revealed that 52% of respondents want to own Lionel Messi’s Argentina jersey, while 44% want Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal jersey, and 36% want Erling Haaland’s jersey.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. men's national team (USMNT) had a match against Belgium that attracted over 50 million viewers.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. Open Cup is the oldest ongoing soccer competition in the country, dating back to 1913.

AOL.com - The 2026 World Cup was the biggest ever in soccer history, featuring 48 nations and 104 games over a 39-day period.

AOL.com - Spain was crowned world champions for the second time in 16 years.

AOL.com - A survey by 247Bet of 2,000 U.S. respondents revealed that just over 25% watched soccer for the first time during the World Cup.

AOL.com - More than half (52%) of respondents indicated they would be more likely to follow an MLS team after the tournament.

AOL.com - 39% of respondents would choose to watch soccer over the NFL, and 49% would choose it over college football.

AOL.com - 53% of respondents expressed interest in traveling to Europe to watch soccer matches.

Sports Business Journal - The U.S. men's national team (USMNT) aimed to inspire more Americans to wear U.S. jerseys and display the flag.

WHERE:

AOL.com - The 2026 World Cup was held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Sports Business Journal - Over 600 Soccer Forward Fests were held in all 50 states.

WHEN:

AOL.com - The survey conducted by 247Bet took place in July 2026.

Sports Business Journal - JT Batson joined U.S. Soccer in 2022.

WHY:

Sports Business Journal - Batson emphasized the need for structural changes to develop soccer talent in the U.S. and to create accessible pathways for players.

HOW:

Sports Business Journal - U.S. Soccer has hired J.R. Kenny as its first full-time head of government relations to support soccer development initiatives, focusing on building fields and creating low-cost recreational opportunities.

Sports Business Journal - U.S. Soccer has hired J.R. Kenny as its first full-time head of government relations to support soccer development initiatives.

Sports Business Journal - L.A. Unified School District announced it is rolling out soccer in every school, with Oakland and Atlanta also preparing similar announcements.

Sports Business Journal - U.S. Soccer is working with local governments and organizations to build fields and create low-cost recreational opportunities.

Sports Business Journal - Batson mentioned the hiring of J.R. Kenny as the first full-time head of government relations to support soccer development initiatives.

Short-term rental income in U.S. host markets skyrocketed by 421% compared to June 2025, with a notable 60% year-over-year increase among hosts active in both June 2025 and June 2026. Miami led the surge with over a 709% increase, while Kansas City and Dallas-Fort Worth saw impressive gains of 607% and 587%, respectively, during the tournament period. In a related development, U.S. Soccer has appointed J.R. Kenny as its first full-time head of government relations to enhance soccer development initiatives, focusing on building fields and creating affordable recreational opportunities.