The United States’ round‑of‑16 match against Belgium set a new benchmark for American soccer viewership, attracting 30 million people to Fox’s broadcast.
Belgium secured a 4‑1 victory that propelled the team into the quarterfinals and eliminated the tournament’s last co‑host, underscoring the match’s significance.
Fox disclosed that the audience peaked at more than 36.8 million viewers between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time, surpassing the earlier record set by the U.S.-Bosnia-Herzegovina game.
The surge in viewership reflects a growing appetite for soccer in the United States and highlights the pivotal role that major networks play in broadcasting the sport’s most high‑stakes games.
Industry analysts note that the record‑breaking numbers will likely influence future scheduling and promotional strategies, as advertisers and broadcasters seek to capitalize on the sport’s rising popularity.