USMNT’s World Cup Exit Scores Historic Ratings

The U.S. defeat by Belgium in the last 16 of the World Cup helped Fox keep breaking ratings records for soccer coverage.

The USMNT’s 4-1 loss to the Europeans was watched by 30M viewers, becoming the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history. It hit a peak of 36.9M viewers between 9:15-9:30am ET during the start of the second half as Mauricio Pochettino’s team was chasing an equalizer.

It’s been a huge World Cup for Fox, which already broke soccer ratings records in the last round with the USMNT’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina becoming the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history before the Belgium game. That match was watched by 24.4M and peaked with nearly 32M viewers.

Belgium went ahead in the first half thanks to a Charles De Ketelaere goal. Malik Tillman equalized in the 31st minute but Belgium were back on top two minutes later thanks to De Ketelaere again. Hans Vanaken made it three thanks to an awful goalkeeping error before Romelu Lukaku put a fourth in in stoppage time.

The U.S. exit will be a blow to Fox, but it has been a huge tournament for the rights holders, thanks in part due to the success of the USMNT, as well as co-hosts Mexico and Canada, as well as some upsets and close games.

Fox‘s Mike Mulvihill, president of insights and analytics for Fox’s entertainment and sports divisions as well as Tubi, told Deadline that the reach of the World Cup is “almost like having a second NFL season”.

“There really shouldn’t be any debate at this point about whether soccer is popular or will ever be popular,” he added. “I guess the question now is just, what does it mean for the future of soccer?”