Walking around Manhattan ahead of the June 25 Copa America group stage match between Lionel Messi-led Argentina and Chile , it was hard to miss the sight of fans in soccer jerseys traversing the streets. While the World Cup may still be two years away, Copa America has brought an increased interest in soccer among New Yorkers — along with Euro 2024 taking place at the same time in Germany — and American soccer fans in general over the past few weeks. MetLife Stadium was sold out for Argentina’s clash with Chile and another fervent atmosphere is expected when Argentina returns on Tuesday to face Canada in the semifinals.
A sign that New Yorkers, in particular, have increasingly taken to the “beautiful game” and the two international events could help bolster the spotlight on the region’s professional clubs and sports profile. Soccer has seen a jump in interest across the country, with a 2023 study by Sports Innovation Lab indicating that roughly one-quarter of American sports fans showed an interest in the sport. And the expectation is that Copa America coupled with the World Cup will only help those numbers grow.
“I believe there’s going to be a huge bounce off the 26 World Cup in North America,” GMR Marketing chief commercial officer Adam Lippard told The Post. “Without question, I think every governing body at all levels from the professional sports leagues to youth and amateur is going to feel the balance of the men’s World Cup in ways that I’m not .
