England’s upset victory over Mexico to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals delivered nearly 22 million viewers for Fox Sports on Sunday night.
New Delhi, India Jul 9, 2026 ALN: England’s upset victory over Mexico to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals delivered nearly 22 million viewers for Fox Sports on Sunday night. This impressive figure not only highlights the growing interest in soccer within the United States but also underscores the significance of the World Cup as a global sporting event. The match was a thrilling encounter that showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with England ultimately overcoming a formidable Mexican side. This event captured the attention of viewers across the nation, contributing to a larger trend of increasing viewership for soccer events.
The excitement surrounding this match was palpable, particularly as it marked a significant moment for England, a nation with a rich soccer history that has often been filled with high expectations and disappointments. England has long been considered one of the traditional powerhouses in soccer, yet their journey in major tournaments has been fraught with challenges. The victory over Mexico not only served as a testament to their skill and determination but also reignited hopes among their passionate fan base for a potential World Cup triumph.
Viewership of the global soccer tournament remained strong over the Independence Day holiday weekend, with more than 15.5 million viewers tuning in for Friday’s thrilling match that almost saw tiny Cabo Verde take out longtime World Cup contender Argentina. This match exemplified the unpredictable nature of the tournament, where underdogs can rise to the occasion, further captivating audiences. The narrative of underdog teams making significant strides in the tournament resonates deeply with sports fans, as it embodies the essence of competition and the possibility of achieving greatness against the odds.
On Sunday, England’s knockout of Mexico attracted 21.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched World Cup telecast in U.S. history for a match that did not include Team USA. This statistic is particularly noteworthy as it reflects the increasing popularity of soccer in a country where American football, basketball, and baseball have traditionally dominated the sports landscape. The viewership peaked in the final 15 minutes, reaching 25.7 million viewers, illustrating that the drama and tension of the match kept audiences glued to their screens until the very end. Such unprecedented numbers indicate a shift in the viewing habits of American sports fans, who are increasingly drawn to international soccer competitions.
The crowd for the July 3 Argentina-Cabo Verde game peaked with 22.958 million viewers from 8:30-8:45 p.m. ET. Argentina took the lead only a few minutes into the 30 minutes of extra time, but Cabo Verde answered to tie the match. This tournament marks Cabo Verde’s first World Cup appearance, making their performance all the more remarkable and inspiring for fans of underdog stories in sports. The match not only showcased the talent of the Argentinian squad but also highlighted Cabo Verde’s potential to compete on the world stage, which can encourage greater investment in soccer programs within smaller nations. The narrative surrounding Cabo Verde’s journey in the tournament serves as a reminder that soccer is a sport that transcends borders and can unite fans from diverse backgrounds.
In another exciting match, the Colombia-Ghana game saw an average of 10.387 million viewers, with Colombia winning 1-0 in its second-ever World Cup knockout-stage victory, their first since 2014 in Brazil. This victory for Colombia is significant as it reaffirms their status as a competitive team in international soccer, and it could have implications for future tournaments as they build on this success. The Colombian team has a passionate following, and their continued progress in the tournament could further galvanize support for soccer in the country, as well as among Colombian communities in the United States.
Meanwhile, the Australia-Egypt match averaged 8.849 million viewers, with Egypt defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout to advance to the knockout round for the first time in World Cup history. This is only Egypt’s fourth time participating in the World Cup and their first since 2018 in Russia. The success of Egypt in this tournament can be seen as a turning point for the nation, potentially inspiring a new generation of soccer players and fans. Such moments in the World Cup serve to elevate the profile of soccer in countries where the sport may not yet have reached its full potential.
Overall, the World Cup round of 32 averaged 9.548 million viewers across Fox and Fox Sports 1, which is a significant increase of 262% from the telecast average for the complete World Cup 2022 group stage, which was 2.638 million viewers. This dramatic rise in viewership can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing accessibility of soccer broadcasts, the growing popularity of the sport in the U.S., and the excitement generated by the tournament’s format, which allows for unexpected outcomes and thrilling matches. The rise in viewership is indicative of a broader cultural shift in the United States, where soccer is increasingly embraced as a key component of the sports landscape.
The surge in interest is also reflective of broader trends in sports consumption, where fans are increasingly turning to international competitions for entertainment. The World Cup, known for its high stakes and dramatic narratives, attracts viewers who may not typically follow soccer, thus broadening the audience base and fostering a more diverse sports culture in the U.S. This expansion of interest in soccer can have far-reaching implications for the sport's growth in America, including increased participation at youth levels, greater investment in local clubs, and heightened visibility for soccer leagues and competitions.
World Cup coverage continues Thursday with France vs. Morocco at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT. This matchup promises to be an exciting clash between two teams with rich soccer traditions and passionate fan bases. France, the reigning World Cup champions, will be looking to assert their dominance, while Morocco aims to make a statement on the global stage. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams, particularly as they seek to solidify their legacies in soccer history.
Spain will play Belgium at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium. Both teams have a storied history in international soccer and will be eager to secure a place in the quarterfinals. The stakes are high, and the intense competition is sure to draw significant viewership. As these matches unfold, fans are likely to engage in conversations about the strategies, performances, and potential outcomes, further enhancing the communal experience of following the tournament.
The quarterfinals will conclude with the Norway vs. England and Argentina vs. Switzerland matches on Saturday. As the tournament progresses, the anticipation among fans grows, with each match presenting an opportunity for history to be made. The outcomes of these games could reshape the landscape of international soccer and influence the future trajectories of the participating nations. Fans are likely to closely monitor the performances of key players and the tactical approaches of their favorite teams, adding another layer of excitement to the viewing experience.
In summary, the remarkable viewership numbers for the World Cup not only highlight the event's significance but also reflect a growing cultural shift in the U.S. towards embracing soccer as a major sport. As the tournament continues, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve and what impact they will have on the future of soccer in America. The increasing interest in soccer, driven by thrilling matches and compelling narratives, suggests that the sport is poised for continued growth and popularity in the years to come.
(Pictured: England player Harry Kane)
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