Fox’s telecast of the U.S. men’s national team soccer match against Belgium drew 30 million viewers, setting a new all-time record for an English-language soccer broadcast in the United States, according to preliminary Nielsen ratings.
How did the U.S.-Belgium viewership compare to previous records?
The 30 million viewer mark surpasses the previous record of 26.4 million, which was set just five days earlier during the U.S. match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. The audience peaked at 36.9 million viewers between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. during the second half of the game. Final ratings, expected later in the week, will likely increase this total by incorporating Nielsen’s big data components and out-of-home viewing figures.
Combined with the Spanish-language telecast on Telemundo and Peacock, the total audience for the match is expected to exceed 40 million viewers.
What happened with the U.S. team’s exit from the tournament?
Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 on Monday night, eliminating the U.S. in the World Cup’s round of 16. This result means all three co-hosts are now out of the competition, as Canada and Mexico also lost their respective round of 16 matches. England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico on Sunday also set a record for Spanish-language soccer broadcasts in the U.S. with 23.1 million viewers.
Why was there controversy surrounding striker Folarin Balogun?
The match was preceded by a dispute over the eligibility of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA waived a red card suspension for Balogun, allowing him to play after the U.S. Soccer Federation threatened legal action. The federation argued that a misapplied use of video review led to Balogun’s ejection in a previous game. Reports also indicate that Donald Trump contacted FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to advocate for lifting the suspension.
How is the World Cup performing in U.S. television ratings?
The five U.S. games averaged more than 21 million viewers on Fox. While the exit of the U.S. and Mexico may limit future record-breaking peaks, interest remains high. Several matches not featuring the host nations have already drawn over 10 million viewers. For context, the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France drew a combined 26.78 million viewers across Fox (16.78 million) and Telemundo/Peacock (9 million).
World Cup Viewership Comparison
| Match | Network/Language | Viewership |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. vs. Belgium | Fox (English) | 30 Million |
| England vs. Mexico | Telemundo (Spanish) | 23.1 Million |
| U.S. vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina | Fox (English) | 26.4 Million |
| 2022 Final (Arg vs. Fra) | Combined (US) | 26.78 Million |
With the quarterfinals approaching, the tournament continues to see growth, marking the first time the event has been hosted in North America since 1994.
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