Roger Hampel
FOT:PRO SOCCER
The U.S. Men's National Team's (USMNT) gripping victory over Canada in the Gold Cup was more than a thrilling match. It also served as a potent indicator of the growing potential of soccer as a sport and as a robust business arena, especially with the anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
1️⃣ Growing Popularity and Rising Viewership
The Gold Cup game was a testament to soccer's growing popularity. The data from 2022 TV ratings indicate that USMNT is experiencing an impressive surge in viewership. Matches, including World Cup qualifiers like the one against Panama and even friendlies such as the game against Uruguay, attracted over a million viewers each. This escalating viewership signifies an auspicious trajectory leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If this trend continues, we can expect a significant rise in both interest and viewership during the World Cup.
2️⃣ The Pull of High-Stakes Games
The nature of a game plays a significant role in attracting viewers. High-stakes matches like the World Cup face-off against England in 2022 pulled in an astounding 18.7 million viewers. The suspense-filled USMNT's Gold Cup victory over Canada could very well be a precursor to the kind of high-octane matches that capture audience attention and increase viewership. The 2026 World Cup is set to have an array of such nail-biting matches, which is likely to contribute to a considerable surge in viewership figures.
3️⃣ Soccer: A Global Phenomenon
The forthcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026 is expected to exploit soccer's global appeal to the fullest. The USMNT's matches against teams from various continents, as evidenced by the 2022 data, attracted millions of viewers, underlining the sport's universal appeal. With the USMNT's promising trajectory and the escalating anticipation for the World Cup, we can anticipate a rise in international interest, leading to a surge in global viewership.
4️⃣ A Boon for Local Businesses
The heightened interest in soccer leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup also spells good news for local businesses. Increased viewership often opens up myriad commercial opportunities. Businesses can utilize the growing interest in the sport to their advantage through advertising and sponsorships. Moreover, restaurants, sports bars, and retailers are likely to experience an uptick in business during match times.
In conclusion, the rising popularity of soccer in the United States, demonstrated by the growing viewership, indicates a promising future for the sport. Furthermore, this trend also bodes well for businesses ready to harness the opportunities presented by this burgeoning interest. As we inch closer to the 2026 World Cup, these trends are only set to amplify, solidifying soccer's position in the American and global sports landscape.
USMNT Victory over Canada: Highlighting the Business Impact of the Rising US Soccer Scene.
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