Link: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7137837/2026/06/04/usa-world-cup-fans/

As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture

Do not confuse the lack of enthusiasm for the USMNT for the lack of fans in the United States. Anyone telling you that Americans don't watch soccer is telling you more about who they consider a "real American" than they are telling you about soccer fandom in the US:

American soccer’s gorgeous complication, though, has always been that millions of Americans latch onto teams other than the USMNT. When compared to other countries, and even to other American sports, this is one of several dynamics that makes U.S. fandom distinct.

If, by contrast, you were born into a family of Newcastle United fans in England’s north east, you probably support Newcastle and England’s national team. If you were born in Montevideo, you likely support either Penarol or Nacional and almost certainly love the Uruguayan national team.