The American soccer team’s trip to South Africa may have been successful in at least one aspect—a fourth of Americans are more excited about soccer.

Young Americans are the most excited. In Public Policy Polling’s most recent national poll, 39% of 18 to 29 year olds said they have become more excited about soccer over the past month, while only 17% of Americans over the age of 65 said they World Cup made them more enthused about the game. This swell of excitement in younger generations could be good news for the future of soccer. 

Seeking to attract more fans from all backgrounds, there are other good signs for the American professional soccer league. Experience playing was not a precondition to catching the excitement of the World Cup.  68% of those who say they are more excited about the soccer also have never played before. Women and men are equally thrilled by the intensity of the World Cup.

Americans overwhelmingly agree that there is nothing un-American about soccer.

“There is clearly a wave of soccer excitement never seen before in the United States,” said Elena Fanjul-Debnam of Public Policy Polling. “It will be interesting to see if this excitement maintains throughout the regular season.”

PPP surveyed 667 American voters from July 9-12.  The survey’s margin of error is +/- 3.8%.  Other factors, such as refusal to be interviewed and weighting, may introduce additional error that is more difficult to quantify.

If you would like an interview regarding this release, please contact ELENA FANJUL-DEBNAM: 919-757-2508

Topline results are below. Full results, including crosstabs, can be found here.

Q1 Do you think there is something un-American
about soccer?
Yes ……………………………………………………….. 7%
No …………………………………………………………. 81%
Not sure …………………………………………………. 12%

Q2 Have you played organized soccer?
Yes ……………………………………………………….. 19%
No …………………………………………………………. 81%

Q3 Has this World Cup made you more or less
excited about watching soccer, or has it not
made a difference?
More excited …………………………………………… 26%
Less excited……………………………………………. 14%
Hasn’t made a difference ………………………….. 61%

Q4 Who did you vote for President last year?
John McCain…………………………………………… 45%
Barack Obama………………………………………… 46%
Someone else/don’t remember ………………….. 9%

Q5 Would you describe yourself as a liberal,
moderate, or conservative?
Liberal ……………………………………………………. 19%
Moderate………………………………………………… 38%
Conservative…………………………………………… 43%

Q6 If you are a woman, press 1, if a man, press 2.
Woman ………………………………………………….. 49%
Man……………………………………………………….. 51%

Q7 If you are a Democrat, press 1. If you are a
Republican, press 2. If you are an independent
or identify with another party, press 3.
Democrat ……………………………………………….. 39%
Republican……………………………………………… 34%
Independent/Other…………………………………… 27%

Q8 If you are Hispanic, press 1. If white, press 2.
If African American, press 3. If other, press 4.
Hispanic…………………………………………………. 10%
White …………………………………………………….. 74%
African American …………………………………….. 12%
Other……………………………………………………… 4%

Q9 If you are 18 to 29 years old, press 1 now. If
you are 30 to 45, press 2. If you are 46 to 65,
press 3. If older, press 4.
18 to 29………………………………………………….. 11%
30 to 45………………………………………………….. 26%
46 to 65………………………………………………….. 45%
Older than 65………………………………………….. 17%