Fox’s coverage of the World Cup match between the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and Belgium set a record with 33.1 million viewers, marking a historic moment for soccer in the U.S.
New Delhi, India Jul 10, 2026 ALN: Fox’s coverage of Monday night’s World Cup match between the United States’ Men’s National Soccer Team and Belgium on July 6 scored record ratings, averaging 33,086,000 viewers — making it the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history.
This remarkable figure reflects the increasing interest in soccer in the United States, a trend that has been building over the past few decades. Traditionally dominated by sports like American football, basketball, and baseball, soccer has steadily carved out a significant niche in the American sports landscape. The match not only showcased the talent of the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (USMNT) but also highlighted the growing fan base for soccer across the country. The rise in popularity can be attributed to various factors, including the expansion of Major League Soccer (MLS), increased access to international soccer broadcasts, and the success of U.S. women's teams, which have inspired a new generation of fans.
That’s NFL-level numbers for the Belgium-USMNT faceoff. In fact, this made it the most-watched telecast on any network since Super Bowl LX posted 125.6 million viewers on February 8. This comparison to the Super Bowl, the pinnacle of American sports viewership, underscores the magnitude of the event and the changing dynamics of sports fandom in the U.S. The Super Bowl has long been a cultural touchstone, and for soccer to achieve such viewership levels signifies a noteworthy shift in audience engagement. It demonstrates that soccer is no longer a niche sport, but rather a significant player in the American sports hierarchy.
Take the football out of the equation, and the Belgium-USMNT match was the most-watched non-NFL telecast on any network since the World Series Game 7 on November 2, 2016, which had 40.05 million viewers. This statistic further emphasizes the significance of the match in the context of American television history. The World Series, another major sporting event, typically garners significant attention, so the fact that a soccer match could rival its viewership is indicative of the sport's rising profile in the U.S. Such a shift in viewership patterns may also reflect broader changes in media consumption, where younger audiences are increasingly favoring soccer over traditional American sports.
The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team was eliminated from the World Cup as the competition ended up being a rout by Belgium, which won 4-1 during the Round of 16 in front of a full crowd at Seattle Stadium. Despite the loss, the match served as a pivotal moment for soccer in America, drawing in viewers who may not have previously engaged with the sport. Viewership for the match peaked between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. ET, when an average of 41.03 million viewers were watching. This peak viewership is a testament to the intense interest and emotional investment viewers had in the match, especially as it unfolded in real-time. The dramatic nature of the match, including key moments and close calls, likely contributed to keeping viewers glued to their screens.
According to Fox, top local markets watching the Belgium-USMNT showdown included:
These local market ratings reveal not only where soccer is most popular but also highlight the geographic diversity of its fan base. Cities like Kansas City and Seattle, which have their own Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, show particularly high ratings, suggesting that local soccer culture significantly contributes to national viewership. The presence of successful MLS franchises has likely fostered greater interest in international competitions like the World Cup. Furthermore, these ratings indicate that soccer is not just a coastal phenomenon, but has a strong following in the Midwest and other regions.
Overall for the Round of 16, Fox Sports reports it has averaged 14.465 million viewers, making it the most-watched FIFA Men’s World Cup Round of 16 in English-language U.S. history. That’s up 216% from the 2022 Round of 16 average on Fox and FS1, which was 4.581 million. This dramatic increase in viewership reflects not only the heightened interest in the World Cup but also the effective marketing strategies employed by broadcasters to engage audiences. The increase may also be due to a growing recognition of soccer as a major sport in the U.S., with more fans tuning in to watch high-stakes matches. The combination of social media engagement, targeted advertising, and the excitement surrounding the tournament has likely played a role in drawing larger audiences.
The 2026 World Cup has continued to be a ratings juggernaut for both Fox Sports and Telemundo/Peacock. Thanks to the World Cup, Telemundo reports that it has ranked as the No. 1 Spanish-language network during total day for 25 consecutive days, from June 11 through July 5. On Sunday, July 5, Telemundo averaged the highest total day average audience in Spanish TV history, with 3.6 million viewers. This surge in viewership not only highlights the popularity of soccer among English-speaking audiences but also among Spanish-speaking communities, which have traditionally been strong supporters of soccer in the U.S. The success of Telemundo during the tournament signifies the importance of catering to diverse audiences in a multicultural nation. It also underscores the role of soccer as a unifying force among various demographic groups in the U.S.
The 39-day competition began June 11 and is set to conclude on July 19, showcasing the growing popularity of soccer in the United States. The significant viewer numbers and the enthusiastic response from local markets suggest that soccer's presence in the American sports landscape is solidifying. As the sport continues to gain traction, it is likely that we will see an increase in investment in youth soccer programs, professional leagues, and international competitions. The implications of these viewership trends extend beyond mere statistics; they reflect a cultural shift in how Americans engage with sports, signaling that soccer is poised to become a mainstay in the American sports hierarchy. This could lead to increased funding for soccer initiatives at the grassroots level, as well as a greater focus on developing homegrown talent to compete on the international stage.
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