World Cup Sets Another Ratings Record in U.S. Loss to Belgium
The U.S. men's soccer team's 4-1 loss to Belgium on Monday night paradoxically drew record viewership, with preliminary Nielsen data showing 30 million television viewers on Fox, eclipsing the previous English-language soccer telecast record of 26.4 million set just five days earlier. Peak viewership reached 36.9 million during the second half, and combined Spanish-language broadcasts are expected to push the total audience beyond 40 million, underscoring growing mainstream interest in World Cup football in America.
The match garnered additional attention due to controversy surrounding FIFA's decision to waive a suspension for American striker Balogun before kickoff, a move that came after the U.S. Soccer Federation threatened legal action and President Trump claimed to have intervened with FIFA leadership. With the elimination of all three North American co-hosts, the tournament's remaining games are expected to maintain solid audience numbers, though viewership may not reach the heights set during matches involving the home nation.
- U.S.-Belgium World Cup match drew 30 million Fox viewers, setting a new English-language soccer broadcast record in America
- Belgium won 4-1 on July 6; match was overshadowed by FIFA waiving a red card suspension for U.S. player Folarin Balogun following threatened legal action by U.S. Soccer Federation
- All three tournament co-hosts (U.S., Canada, Mexico) have been eliminated; remaining games expected to maintain strong viewership despite likely lower peaks