The sharpest growth reportedly came among younger supporters. Among Generation Z respondents, interest rose by 16 percentage points, with 61% saying they followed soccer either avidly or casually.
That still trails the NFL and NBA, but the direction is significant. Younger fans are discovering the sport through national teams, global stars, streaming platforms and social media - channels that can turn a major tournament into a lasting habit.
The report says Major League Soccer has seen stronger ticket sales and viewing figures since the tournament, while its clubs have added almost six million social-media followers. Youth-programme participation has also reportedly risen by 40% year on year.
Those gains give MLS a chance to convert international excitement into regular domestic support. The challenge is maintaining attention when the World Cup spotlight fades, particularly in markets where soccer still competes with deeply established American sports.
The growth is not universal. The survey reportedly found that 38% of adults did not watch a match, highlights or coverage, while older audiences were much less engaged. A quarter of respondents said the tournament had made them less interested in soccer.
The next test will come during the ordinary MLS season, when there is no global spectacle to provide the momentum. If clubs can turn new curiosity into stadium visits, youth participation and weekly viewing, the World Cup’s impact could become a genuine shift rather than a temporary surge.