U.S. soccer executives are projecting that the upcoming FIFA World Cup will generate a historic level of interest, potentially being '100 times' more viewed than the recent Super Bowl. Lex Chalat, the executive director of the Soccer Forward Foundation, stated that this World Cup marks a pivotal moment for soccer in the U.S., reminiscent of the transformations that followed the 1994 World Cup when the sport began to gain a stronger foothold in American culture.

With the last Super Bowl drawing in an impressive 125 million viewers and holding a record viewing figure of 137 million, soccer chiefs believe that the global appeal of the World Cup, combined with the rising popularity of soccer in the U.S., could culminate in billions of viewers worldwide. Chalat emphasized that the viewership expectations for the World Cup could parallel the total viewership of around 100 Super Bowls, showcasing the immense excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament.

This optimistic outlook by U.S. soccer leaders reflects a broader trend in which soccer is steadily capturing the attention of American sports fans, particularly as major international tournaments become integral to the sporting calendar. As preparations continue for this summer's World Cup, there is a sense that the event could solidify soccer's status in the U.S. sports landscape, paving the way for future growth and investment in the sport.