The United States' match against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup on July 6, 2026, became the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history. According to Fox, approximately 30 million viewers tuned in to witness Belgium's 4-1 victory, which eliminated the last co-host of the tournament.
Record-Breaking Viewership Numbers
The game, held in Seattle, peaked at over 36.8 million viewers between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. ET. This surpassed the previous record set during the U.S. versus Bosnia-Herzegovina match, which attracted 26.4 million viewers. The viewership for the World Cup has consistently grown, with this match marking a significant milestone.
- 30 million viewers for U.S. vs. Belgium
- Peaked at 36.8 million viewers
- Previous record: 26.4 million for U.S. vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina
Comparison with Other Major Sports Events
In comparison, the most-watched Super Bowl in 2025 drew an average of 127.7 million viewers. The peak audience during the second quarter reached 137.7 million. Meanwhile, the most recent NBA Finals averaged 20.6 million viewers, highlighting the growing interest in soccer during international tournaments.
Future Implications for Soccer in the U.S.
This record-setting viewership indicates a rising popularity of soccer in the United States, especially during significant events like the World Cup. As the tournament progresses, expectations for viewership numbers could continue to rise, especially with the growth of interest in soccer amongst U.S. audiences. The success of this match may have lasting effects on the sport's visibility and support in the country.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by ESPN Soccer. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
