The FIFA Women’s World Cup is just around the corner, with Australia and New Zealand set to host the ninth edition of the tournament starting on July 20. The excitement is palpable worldwide, with fans from 132 countries having already purchased over 500,000 tickets, a number expected to break the attendance record set in France in 2019. Among the most passionate supporters are the soccer fans from the United States.
According to a report by London-based Footballco, more than 82% of U.S. soccer fans plan to follow the Women’s World Cup. The report surveyed over 2,000 fans from 10 countries, including the UK, Germany, Brazil, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. The U.S. stood out with 68% of respondents identifying as either “superfans” or “supporters,” a number significantly higher than the global average of 52%. Even when considering only superfans, the U.S. scored 39%, compared to the global average of 23%.
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What makes the U.S. such a fervent supporter of women’s soccer? Morgan Brennan, head of Footballco’s women’s soccer brand, Indivisa, believes it is due to the sport’s established position for women in the country. The U.S. women’s national team has a rich history as four-time champions, having lifted the trophy in 1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019. The survey also revealed that 45% of U.S. fans have been following women’s soccer for at least six years, second only to Japan.
The growth of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has also contributed to the increasing interest in women’s soccer in the U.S. Despite recent scandals, the league’s viewership and valuations have soared. Attendance has seen a significant rise, thanks to teams like Los Angeles’ Angel City FC, the Portland Thorns, San Diego Wave, and Kansas City Current. The NWSL is preparing for expansion and a new television deal when the current agreement with CBS expires. Interestingly, 45% of U.S. fans expressed more interest in women’s soccer compared to 12 months ago, a spike higher than any other country.
England, another country where women’s soccer has made strides, only recorded a 34% increase in interest during the same period. Brennan emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences in fandom between the U.S. and the UK. The way female fans engage with the game varies significantly between the two countries.
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Looking ahead to the 2023 World Cup, the USWNT is favored to win again, which could further boost interest in women’s soccer both domestically and internationally. The 2019 World Cup already shattered records with a combined viewership of 1.12 billion, a 106% increase from the 2015 tournament in Canada. The final match between the U.S. and the Netherlands garnered a whopping 82.12 million viewers, making it the most-watched game in World Cup history, a 56% increase from the 2015 championship.
Despite the logistical challenges, such as the time zone difference between the U.S. and Australia, fans are expected to follow the World Cup through other platforms if live viewing is not possible. However, Brennan points out that consistent media access is crucial to attracting new fans. Basic information about match times and locations needs to be readily available, not just during major events like the World Cup or the Euros but also during regular matches.
FAQs
1. How many countries have fans bought tickets from for the Women’s World Cup?
Fans from 132 countries have already purchased over 500,000 tickets for the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
2. What percentage of U.S. soccer fans plan to follow the Women’s World Cup?
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More than 82% of U.S. soccer fans intend to follow the Women’s World Cup, making them among the most passionate supporters of women’s soccer.
3. What factors contribute to the growth of women’s soccer in the U.S.?
The established position of women’s soccer in the U.S., the success of the national team, and the rapid growth of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) are factors contributing to the increasing interest in women’s soccer.
4. How did the viewership of the 2019 World Cup compare to previous tournaments?
The 2019 World Cup recorded a combined viewership of 1.12 billion, a 106% increase from the 2015 tournament. The final match between the U.S. and the Netherlands attracted 82.12 million viewers, making it the most-watched game in World Cup history.
Conclusion
As the Women’s World Cup approaches, the enthusiasm among soccer fans worldwide is palpable. However, it is the U.S. soccer fans who stand out as some of the most ardent supporters of the women’s game. With a rich history of success and an established women’s soccer infrastructure, it’s no surprise that the U.S. leads the way in fan engagement. As the tournament kicks off in Australia and New Zealand, women’s soccer is poised to continue its upward trajectory, attracting new fans and captivating audiences with its thrilling matches and inspiring performances. Stay tuned to Pesstatsdatabase for the latest updates on the Women’s World Cup and all things football.
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Danh mục: Sport
