Weekly Data

WHAT THE DATA SAY: Americans' interest in soccer growing ahead of 2026 World Cup

By: Ray Day

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

6 IN 10 FEEL FINANCIALLY STRAINED

Despite positive economic indicators, more Americans are facing a turbulent financial reality, according to the Economic Trust Report by the Harris Poll and Kikoff.

57% of Americans today feel financially strained.
37% say the way the U.S. government talks about the economy doesn’t reflect their financial reality.
22% trust the financial data provided by the government.
Americans are turning to financial advisors (43%), friends and family (42%) and fintech platforms (32%) for more trusted financial advice.
24% opened a new credit card within the past year to cover an unexpected expense.
55% don’t know the amount of their current credit card debt.
23% delayed a major life event in the last year to protect their credit score.
See also: Retailers In The Crosshairs Over Tariff-Driven Price Hikes
See also: 32% of Americans unprepared financially for natural disasters

WORLD CUP SCORES WITH AMERICANS

Soccer (football) is experiencing a surge in fandom and culture relevance in the U.S., based on our Harris Poll research.

45% of Americans say their interest in soccer is increasing – up 17% from 2020.
70% of fans say they are more excited about the 2026 World Cup specifically because it will be held in North America.
54% agree that they pay attention to the brands that sponsor soccer teams and/or events such as the World Cup.
65% say that people in America are soccer fans, but soccer is not an “American” sport.
Overall, 72% of Americans say they’re interested in soccer, lower than 92% of Mexicans, 82% of British and 80% of Germans.

PTO BY THE POOL

U.S. employees are prioritizing single days off this summer to relax by the pool rather than saving PTO until the end of the year, according to our Harris Poll survey with ResortPass.

Americans report feeling happier (55%), more productive (51%) and patient (40%) after taking just a single day off.
28% believe it’s becoming more acceptable to take regular individual days off work.
55% say spending time near water is part of a perfect day.
62% of employed Americans say relaxing is among their top priorities for time off – versus 33% who prioritize adventure.
See also: Forget quiet quitting – 4 in 10 millennials are taking ‘quiet vacations’ and checking out of work (and the country) on company dime instead

SOUND SOOTHES STRESS

Consumers are relying on audio content as a way to reduce stress, according to our National Research Group report.

41% consume audio content to decompress, relax or recharge (42% for background noise and 53% to be entertained).
Consumers turn to audio content for a break from screens (77%) and to give their eyes and mind a rest (74%).
71% say listening to podcasts or music helps them feel more present than scrolling on a phone.
36% stream music while working or studying (54% for Gen Z).
66% trust podcast hosts more than other types of online influencers.

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Weekly Data

Jul 24, 2025