Introduction
What does the FIFA World Cup 2026 reveal about European public opinion?
This #EuroScope survey conducted by Polling Europe across all 27 EU Member States among more than 5,400 respondents, shows that football remains one of the strongest shared experiences across Europe.
A few key findings stood out:
- 67% of Europeans intend to follow the FIFA World Cup in June and July 2026.
- Spain emerges as the most enthusiastic country, with 81% planning to follow the competition.
- Despite national rivalries, Europeans display a strong sense of continental solidarity: if their own country does not win, 40% would prefer another European team to lift the trophy.
- Italians are particularly supportive of their European neighbours, with 54% favouring another European team as World Cup winner if Italy is eliminated.
- Interest in the tournament cuts across political affiliations, with a majority of voters from every major European political family planning to follow the competition.
Beyond sport, these results offer a fascinating window into European identity, collective emotions, and the cultural moments that continue to unite citizens across borders.
The full report is now available.
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