The United States’ recent World Cup encounter with Bosnia‑Herzegovina attracted an unprecedented audience, becoming the most‑watched English‑language soccer telecast ever broadcast in the United States, with nearly 26.4 million viewers tuning in.
The match, played in the knockout stage, ended in a comfortable 2‑0 victory for the U.S., propelling the team into the round of 16 and underscoring the growing appetite for the sport on home soil.
A New Era for Soccer in America
Viewership spiked dramatically in the final stretch, with the broadcast reaching a peak of more than 34.8 million viewers between 9:45 p.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, a figure that eclipsed every program on U.S. television since the Super Bowl earlier that year.
The surge was not confined to a single region; major markets such as Kansas City, Boston, St. Louis, San Francisco and Austin all ranked among the top local audiences, reflecting a nationwide enthusiasm.
Analysts say the numbers signal a tipping point for soccer’s popularity in the United States, suggesting that future tournaments could further cement the sport’s place in the American sporting landscape.