This post was updated June 28 at 5:26 p.m.
70,492.
That’s how many people attended the United States men’s national team’s 2026 World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12.
With the largest soccer tournament in the world set in North America this summer, the energy surrounding the sport has shifted in the US. An average of 64,720 fans are attending group stage games, with USMNT matches alone averaging 69,303 attendees.
It has been 32 years since the US hosted a men’s World Cup game, and American interest in the sport is peaking.
According to Gallup, 40% of Americans plan to watch some of the World Cup this year compared to 30% in past polls. In 1994, this figure was closer to 38%, showing that domestic interest spikes when the tournament is played on American soil.
But interest in soccer on a national level has yet to carry over to Westwood, regardless of a successful program.
Despite winning the 2025 Big Ten tournament, UCLA men’s soccer only had 323 supporters at home in its NCAA tournament first-round loss to Grand Canyon four days later.
And although that day’s turnout could be chalked up to the rainy weather, the highest home game attendance in the Bruins’ 2025 season was still just 1,355. In fact, three of the squad’s eight games at Wallis Annenberg Stadium failed to reach 1,000 attendees.
The Bruins, who have boasted .500-plus records every year since 2021, deserve more attention from the Westwood community.
And the energy from the World Cup could be exactly what they need.
Coach Ryan Jorden’s squad entered the Big Ten tournament as its lowest seed and emerged with its first tournament title since joining the conference in 2024. During that November run, the Bruins upset two teams, including a 5-0 victory over Michigan in the championship game.
And the team’s future is only growing brighter.
Incoming freshman defender Marcus Jackson was named Gatorade National Player of the Year on June 17 after recording 18 goals and helping secure 10 shutouts for his school.
Jorden’s set of returners includes rising senior defender Tre Wright, who was selected 33rd overall in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake, but maintained his NCAA eligibility after not signing a contract.
With Jackson and Wright on the back line, the squad that boasted shutout performances in the last three games of 2025 should continue to use its defensive abilities as a strength.
The Bruins’ success was also based on their offensive abilities, with the team recording 21 combined goals in the last six games of the season, boasting scoring prowess that should excite fans.
This means that it should be easier than ever for newer fans who are coming off the World Cup high to latch on and root for the team donning the blue and gold.
But the support for the Bruins should not be based solely on their recent performances. The program also offers fans a glimpse at many players on their journeys to become pros.
The squad has consistently produced MLS talent and boasts 87 draft picks, the most of any NCAA program.
A program that can further the careers of its players is a program that will continue to succeed. And with nine draft picks coming in the seven years of Jorden’s coaching, the head honcho has ensured that UCLA continues to uphold this standard.
And although no former Bruins are competing in this summer’s World Cup, 15 Bruins players have represented their countries on the biggest stage.
With the World Cup finals taking place a month before UCLA’s season kicks off, the momentum from the tournament should carry over to Westwood as the Bruins look to repeat as conference champions.
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