56% of US soccer fans under 34
In the US, 56% of soccer fans are under 34 and two-thirds are men, making soccer a particularly youth-oriented and male sport.
Snapshot · The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
No Mercy / No Malice: World Cup Experience
Explore episode
Jun 27, 2026
Where this was said
World Cup Highlight Reel: Unity, Diplomacy, and the Tartan Army
At 14:05 · chapter starts 11:35
Zooming out from the economics, Galloway delivers his personal World Cup highlight reel. There were real concerns that America would export its political dysfunction — visa refusal rates above 40% for fans from 11 qualifying countries gave those fears some substance. But on the pitch and in the stands, a different story emerged. Norway supporters performed their coordinated Viking rowing chant. Japanese fans went viral for cleaning the stadium after victory over Tunisia, a practice called gomihiroi that Galloway frames as a lesson for a world that daily experiences the tragedy of the commons. Scotland's Tartan Army drained Boston of beer, cheered on the Red Sox at Fenway, and raised $30,000 for Rhode Island charities. And fans from countries with every reason to be angry at America posted videos celebrating Americans instead [1] — George Hahn "Despite real concerns about American political dysfunction affecting the tournament, the World Cup has delivered something the UN never can…" 11:28 . Most remarkably, Iran's national team left a handwritten thank-you note in their SoFi Stadium locker room: 'We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity.' The World Cup, Galloway concludes, does what the UN cannot — unify people and nations around a common pursuit.
11 of 48 countries: visa refusal rates above 40%
Fans and support staff from 11 of the 48 countries that qualified for the World Cup encountered visa refusal rates above 40%.
Scotland fans raised $30K for RI charities
Scotland's Tartan Army raised $30,000 for local charities in Rhode Island during the 2026 World Cup.
Soccer and the New Masculinity
In the US, the dominant dark definition of masculinity centers on dominance and an inability to show emotion. Soccer offers a correction: men who display strength, cooperation, emotion, and devotion. Galloway wants his sons to take permission — not patriotism — from the beautiful game.
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