The report says adults aged 18 to 29 are the most enthusiastic group about the United States staging the tournament. They are also more likely than older Americans to describe themselves as football fans and to say hosting the competition has increased their interest.
That combination gives organisers a strong foundation. Younger supporters are more likely to follow international football through digital platforms, attend fan events and turn a major tournament into a wider connection with the sport. Their enthusiasm could outlast the competition if it is matched by affordable access and a clear pathway into domestic football.
Parents with children who play football also appear particularly receptive. The report says a majority of those parents are pleased or excited about the United States being a host, with many saying the event has made them more interested in the World Cup.
That family connection matters because it turns the tournament from a television spectacle into a shared experience. Youth clubs, schools and local facilities can help convert that interest into regular participation and support for the professional game.
Among established fans, the response is notably stronger: the report says three in four US football fans feel positively about hosting, while more than half describe themselves as excited. But enthusiasm is weaker among people outside the sport’s existing audience.
More than a quarter of Americans identify as big or casual professional football fans, and most of that group say hosting has increased their interest. The harder task is reaching those who do not yet follow the game.
The next test will come when the tournament approaches. Broadcast reach, ticket access and local events will determine whether the host effect becomes a lasting expansion-or simply a surge among people who were already watching.