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Argentina’s World Cup Victory Over England Scores 15.1 Million Viewers on Fox, Largest Semifinals Telecast in English-Language U.S. History
Fox Sports' broadcast of Argentina's dramatic 2-1 win over England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final drew an average of 15.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched men's World Cup semi-final in English-language US television history. The record came just a day after Fox's coverage of Spain's win over France had itself set the previous mark, underlining the surging American appetite for this year's tournament, which is being co-hosted in the United States.
England had looked set for victory after Anthony Gordon put them ahead in the 55th minute, but Argentina fought back late, with Enzo Fernández equalising in the 87th minute before Lautaro Martínez, assisted by Lionel Messi, scored the winner four minutes later. The Atlanta match peaked at 22.2 million viewers and was up 131% on Fox's 2022 semi-final average, sending defending champions Argentina through to Sunday's final against Spain while extending England's wait for a first title since 1966.
In short
- Argentina beat England 2-1, drawing 15.1 million US viewers on Fox
- Most-watched men's World Cup semi-final ever on English-language US TV
- Argentina face Spain in Sunday's final; England's 1966 drought continues
Explained simply
The FIFA World Cup is international football's biggest tournament, held every four years with teams from around the world competing for the sport's most prestigious honour. This year's competition is taking place in the United States for the first time, contributing to heightened interest among American audiences.
Argentina are the defending World Cup champions, having won the previous tournament in 2022. England has never won the World Cup, with their sole world championship in the sport dating to 1966, though they are consistently regarded as one of the world's strongest football nations.
The semi-finals represent the penultimate stage of the competition, with the two winners advancing to the final match. Reaching a World Cup final is considered one of football's greatest achievements, and victory would make a team world champions.
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