FIFA Encouraged by USA’s Growing Interest in Soccer and the World Cup

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke has been left impressed with the large viewing figures for the 2014 World Cup from the USA.

The US side went out of the tournament in Brazil in spirited fashion against Belgium last night, discount losing 2-1 in extra time.

But the interest in the States was huge, medic with 30, generic 000 fans descending upon Soldier Field (pictured above), home of the Chicago Bears, to watch the game.

Around 1.4 million workers were reported to have left work early to catch the game, a move that shows the increased interest in the sport.

Speaking to Brazilian television channel, SporTV, Valcke said: “What we have seen during this World Cup in the United States is incredible.

“Huge interest, record television figures, even surpassing the NBA (basketball).

“It shows that football in the United States is strong, and we should continue to work with US Soccer and the United States, who have talked about organising the World Cup in 2026.”

The US previously hosted the World Cup in 1994 and put forward an unsuccessful bid for 2022, which was eventually awarded to the controversial bid from Qatar.