Clint Dempsey says success on the field will help build pro-American crowds at World Cup
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, JUL 18 – Clint Dempsey says winning friendlies will increase pro-American support at the 2026 World Cup, reversing recent trends of opposing team fans outnumbering home supporters, he said.
- Thursday, Clint Dempsey said success during friendlies over the next year would help fill seats with pro-American fans at the World Cup next year, a turnaround from pro-opponent crowds at this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.
- Notably, Coach Mauricio Pochettino and players noted spectators overwhelmingly rooted for Guatemala in St. Louis and Mexico in Houston.
- Schedule details show the U.S. men’s national team has 10 friendlies on FIFA international fixture dates, before the 2026 World Cup, which they are seeded as co-hosts.
- Dempsey said he believes blending fight with quality will motivate fans to support the team, aiming to energize pro-American crowds at the World Cup.
- Even as Stewart Robson believes the USMNT might struggle at next year's World Cup, Dempsey's Abbott promotion aims to train 11 players at Real Madrid.
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Dempsey: Success will help crowds
Clint Dempsey says success on the field during friendlies over the next year would help the U.S. fill seats with pro-American fans at the World Cup next year, a turnaround from pro-opponent crowds at this year's CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Clint Dempsey says success on the field will help build pro-American crowds at World Cup
Clint Dempsey says the U.S. needs positive results in upcoming friendlies to energize pro-American crowds for the World Cup next year.
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