What began as curiosity regarding the legendary passion of Scotland’s “Tartan Army” in Boston has turned Indiana car salesman Jamie Druley into a devoted football supporter.
“I was curious to see what drives people to travel thousands of miles and spend significant money just to support their nation on a global stage,” Druley, 51, explained to the BBC.
It wasn’t long before his enthusiasm became a household event, with his wife requesting quieter surroundings while he reacted to the matches on television.
The excitement even spilled over into his workplace. During slower business hours, Druley and his colleagues would watch matches in the showroom; the intensity of the England vs. Argentina semi-final led to spirited debates and a wager between Druley and his employer regarding the final.
The former NFL fanatic is now looking to deepen his involvement by considering season tickets for Fort Wayne FC, a local club that launched a 9,200-seat stadium this year.
Druley is part of a broader trend in the United States, where anticipation for the 2026 tournament is driving a surge in soccer viewership.
Fox reported record-breaking numbers, with 30 million viewers tuning in to the USA’s match against Belgium—the most-watched English-language soccer broadcast in American history.
Data from Nielsen Media Research shows an average of 5.1 million viewers across Fox, FS1, and Tubi for 72 matches, representing a massive 92% increase in viewership compared to the 2022 World Cup.
Courtney Silbaugh, a 33-year-old mother from Pennsylvania, is another convert to the sport.
“I’ve watched almost every single match,” said Silbaugh, who previously identified as someone with zero interest in sports.
“I tried American football, but it just didn’t click,” she noted. “I tried baseball, but it was difficult for me to follow the action. I simply couldn’t grasp the flow of the games.”
Now, however, she finds herself “obsessed” with soccer. “I’m finally starting to understand the nuances of the game by watching the World Cup, which is far more engaging than watching recreational leagues,” she said.
