World Cup Interest Level - 2018 vs 2014 (1 Viewer)

[Joe Bryant]

Disclaimer. I'm not a Soccerguy. Even though I've long had futbolguys.com stashed if I change my mind...

But I know tons of folks are. And that's cool. Clearly it's super popular.

With me being a non Soccerguy, I assumed the interest level without the US this year would be lower. As far as I can tell with my local friends, they don't seem to mind too much the US isn't in. They're just into the tournament.

So I thought I'd ask a poll here. 

 

[bagger]

Way more into it when the US is in it. But it’s still a great event where you can find a team like Iceland who you just want to cheer for.

Its like the olympics, even if the us is not competing for gold the competition and stories can be compelling.

 

[The Gator]

You'll get real soccer fans into it still and obviously less of the "I just root for the USA because " crowd. 

Which is good imo. The USA fan base can be a mess. They try too hard

 

[Joe Bryant]

Way more into it when the US is in it. But it’s still a great event where you can find a team like Iceland who you just want to cheer for.

Its like the olympics, even if the us is not competing for gold the competition and stories can be compelling.

And is it a thing too where US fans have never really felt like the US was all that competitive anyways so whether the US made the field or was eliminated early, it was still sort of the same thing?

 

[Frostillicus]

It's all about gambling, baby.

 

[bagger]

And is it a thing too where US fans have never really felt like the US was all that competitive anyways so whether the US made the field or was eliminated early, it was still sort of the same thing?

For me it’s always better when the US is in it, even if the hopes are slim but I am sure there is something to that. You also have international players on your favorite club team where maybe you like Player X because you root for Chelsea so you can root that team on. 

 

[NewlyRetired]

I enjoy it more having a team (US) to root for but I love the sport and it is still very fun to watch even if some of the passion is missing for me.

 

[The Gator]

Disclaimer. I'm not a Soccerguy. Even though I've long had futbolguys.com stashed if I change my mind...

But I know tons of folks are. And that's cool. Clearly it's super popular.

With me being a non Soccerguy, I assumed the interest level without the US this year would be lower. As far as I can tell with my local friends, they don't seem to mind too much the US isn't in. They're just into the tournament.

So I thought I'd ask a poll here. 

Just info for you.

The USA fans have bought the second most tickets to world cup games compared to other countries. There's a ton of real intrest in soccer and not just rooting for the USA. 

 

[Joe Bryant]

Just info for you.

The USA fans have bought the second most tickets to world cup games compared to other countries. There's a ton of real intrest in soccer and not just rooting for the USA. 

Thanks. That's great info and something I didn't know. 

 

[NewlyRetired]

The USA fans have bought the second most tickets to world cup games compared to other countries. There's a ton of real intrest in soccer and not just rooting for the USA. 

I think only Russia (obviously as the host country) was higher.

The US is arguably the second most popular national team in the US.  The Mexican National team is a juggernaut when it comes to support.  They sell out stadiums all over the country and they draw huge numbers on US TV (Spanish channels)

 

[NewlyRetired]

Thanks. That's great info and something I didn't know. 

it is the melting pot affect.  We hold some of the largest immigrant populations for many countries all over the world.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

And is it a thing too where US fans have never really felt like the US was all that competitive anyways so whether the US made the field or was eliminated early, it was still sort of the same thing?

I don't think that's the case.  If the US were in the World Cup, those games would be huge, circled on the calendar, and US fans would expect the team to be competitive against all but the very elite (top 6-7) countries.  The US missing out makes a huge difference, but most fans are still watching and enjoying the world cup as always.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Another thing to consider @Joe Bryantis just how fast the sport came to fruition in the country.

As recently as 2002, no US broadcaster even bid on the WC rights (the MLS owners actually purchased them for pennies on the dollar from FIFA and used them to create a partnership with ESPN to get both the WC and MLS on TV).

And now today, the US WC TV rights are now the most valuable in the entire world.  US broadcasters spent over a $1b on the last contract.

 

[AAABatteries]

 Even though I've long had futbolguys.com stashed if I change my mind..

Way to bury the lead.

My Link

 

[AAABatteries]

Voted Super in to it, just like 2014 - although there's no doubt the U.S. being in it would take it up a notch for me.

 

[AAABatteries]

@Joe Bryant - who doesn't love to drink

 

[Sinn Fein]

Way to bury the lead.

My Link

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[AAABatteries]

Sinn Fein dislikes this​

Futbol Sub Forum?

 

[Sinn Fein]

Futbol Sub Forum?

I'd rather build my own...