The United States’ recent World Cup showdown with Belgium in Seattle captured the imagination of soccer fans across the nation, drawing a staggering 30 million viewers. The broadcast peaked at 36.8 million viewers between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time, underscoring the match’s massive appeal.
This year's tournament has seen a 92 percent increase in viewership compared to 2022, reflecting a growing appetite for the competition among American audiences. The U.S. victory over Paraguay earlier in the event attracted 18 million viewers across Fox, FS1, and Tubi, further illustrating the upward trend.
A Surge Across the Board
The upcoming quarter‑finals will feature a clash of elite teams, including France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina, and Switzerland. All FIFA World Cup 2026 matches are set to air on FOX or FOX Sports and can be streamed via the FOX One and FOX Sports apps, ensuring broad access for fans.
The tournament’s grand finale is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a venue that will host the championship match before a global audience. The event is being co‑hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking a historic expansion of the World Cup across three nations.
The record‑breaking numbers not only highlight the growing popularity of soccer in the United States but also set a new benchmark for future tournaments. As the competition progresses, viewers can expect continued high‑stakes matches and unprecedented viewership milestones.