Younger voters show far stronger interest in the FIFA World Cup than older Americans, while Hispanic and Black respondents are more likely than White respondents to say they plan to follow the tournament.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Nearly half of Americans say they have no interest in the FIFA World Cup as the tournament begins Thursday, according to a new Emerson College poll.
The survey found that 45% of respondents are not at all interested in the men’s soccer tournament. Another 33% said they are somewhat interested, while 22% said they are very interested.
The World Cup opens Thursday with co-host Mexico playing South Africa in Mexico City. The tournament is being hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States and Canada.
The U.S. men’s national team begins play Friday night against Paraguay in Los Angeles. The Americans are in Group D with Paraguay, Turkey and Australia.
If the U.S. advances to the round of 32, the team will have a chance to win its first World Cup knockout-round match in nearly 25 years.
The Emerson poll found a sharp generational split in enthusiasm for the tournament. More than 80% of respondents ages 18 to 29 said they are either very or somewhat interested in the World Cup, while 19% said they are not interested at all.
Interest was much lower among older respondents. Among voters ages 60 to 69, 58% said they are not interested in the tournament, while 31% said they are somewhat interested and 11% said they are very interested.
The poll also showed differences by demographic group. Six in 10 Hispanic respondents and 63% of Black respondents said they plan to follow the tournament somewhat or very closely. Among White respondents, 35% said the same.
The World Cup begins as some foreign visitors have faced visa-related obstacles entering the United States, including members of Iran’s delegation and a Somali referee.
President Donald Trump addressed the issue Wednesday, telling reporters that his administration is working to “make sure the right people come into” the country for the tournament.
Trump also said he plans to attend some World Cup matches. Former President Bill Clinton attended the opening match of the 1994 World Cup, the last time the United States hosted the tournament.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection estimated last month that more than 5 million foreign visitors will enter the United States during the tournament.
The Emerson College poll was conducted June 7-8 among 1,200 likely U.S. voters. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.
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