Brazil's football interest drops to 64% in new Datafolha survey

A Datafolha poll conducted on July 22‑23 with 2,004 respondents aged 16+ across 139 Brazilian municipalities shows that 64% of Brazilians have some interest in football, down eight points from the 72% recorded in the 2023 survey. Of those interested, 28% say they have a lot of interest and 35% a moderate interest, while 36% report no interest at all.

Interest varies by gender and education. Seventy‑seven percent of men say they follow football compared with 52% of women. Among respondents with only primary education, 49% are interested; the share rises to 67% for those with secondary education and 75% for university graduates.

The decline follows Brazil’s disappointing performance at the recent World Cup, where the national team was eliminated in the round of 16 by Norway – the worst showing since 1990 – and comes as the country prepares to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup.