Soccer

U.S.-Belgium World Cup Match Sets Record as Most-Watched Soccer Telecast in U.S. History

Record-breaking audience highlights surging interest in the 2026 tournament

The United States' clash with Belgium in Seattle has etched its name into soccer history, becoming the most‑watched World Cup broadcast ever in the United States.

A Historic Audience

An astonishing 30 million viewers tuned in to the match, with the broadcast peaking at 36.8 million people between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The milestone eclipsed the previous high‑water mark set just a week earlier, when the U.S. victory over Paraguay attracted 18 million viewers across Fox, FS1 and Tubi.

The surge is not an isolated event. This year's tournament has recorded a 92 percent increase in overall viewership compared with the 2022 edition, underscoring a growing appetite for the sport across the country.

All FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures will be aired on FOX or its sports network, ensuring that fans can follow every step of the competition. The quarter‑final round is scheduled to run from Thursday through Sunday, featuring a final eight that includes France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and Switzerland.

Looking ahead, the tournament will culminate on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the championship match will decide the world champion.

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