The United States’ recent World Cup showdown with Belgium in Seattle not only captured the imagination of fans but also rewrote television history, becoming the most‑watched soccer broadcast ever in the United States.
Historic Viewership Milestone
According to Nielsen, the match attracted a staggering 30 million viewers overall, with the most intense stretch — from 9:15 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern — drawing 36.8 million people, a spike that underscored the game’s dramatic climax.
The surge reflects a broader trend, as this year’s tournament has seen a 92 percent jump in audience numbers compared with the 2022 edition, signaling that soccer is moving from niche to mainstream in the American market.
The quarter‑final slate, scheduled to unfold across Thursday through Sunday, will feature a clash of eight elite teams: France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and Switzerland, each vying for a place in the final.
All matches will be aired on FOX or its dedicated sports cable channel, with simultaneous streaming available through the FOX One and FOX Sports applications, ensuring that viewers can follow the action across platforms.
Looking ahead, the tournament’s grand finale is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a venue that promises to host a historic occasion as the sport’s global audience continues to expand.