USMNT Struggles Still Produce Big Gold Cup Ratings for Fox

Fox announced its best Gold Cup final viewership for a U.S. English-language broadcast, despite, or perhaps because of, the U.S. Men’s National Team’s pervasive struggles that culminated in Sunday’s loss to Mexico.

An average of 3.73 million viewers watched Mexico’s 2–1 victory over the U.S. on Fox, up from 1.1 million viewers for the 2023 final between Mexico and Panama. Peak viewership reached 5.2 million viewers.

Concacaf sold out NRG Stadium in Houston, home of the NFL’s Texans, with a crowd of 70,925 fans heavily favoring Mexico. Mexican fans historically pack U.S. stadiums for their team, and the Spanish-language broadcasts of international soccer tournaments often compete with or exceed their English counterparts in the United States. Univision held the Spanish rights in the U.S.

The final viewership of 3.7 million is more than double the NBA’s average viewership during the regular season. Fox said the final was the most-watched soccer telecast in the U.S. since last year’s Copa América final. And the number far outperformed group stage matches of the Club World Cup on TNT. But it’s hard to compare the Gold Cup numbers to domestic soccer because Apple TV+ doesn’t routinely release all of its MLS viewership data.

The U.S. team, which had been on a four-game losing streak heading into the tournament, eased its way to the final against relatively weaker opponents. But many of the team’s star players, including captain Christian Pulisic, missed the tournament for rest or to compete in the concurrent Club World Cup.

Pulisic’s absence sparked criticism from former captain Landon Donovan and manager Mauricio Pochettino. “Players need to listen and stick with our plan,” Pochettino said. “They cannot dictate the plan.” Midfielder Gio Reyna dressed for Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup rather than the U.S. for the Gold Cup, but was largely benched.

Once the U.S. squad made it to the final against defending champion Mexico, it didn’t have an easy go. Fans booed the Americans in their pregame, and during the match, a handball in the box by a Mexican defender appeared to go uncalled.

“I think that it is clear and it’s not about to cry, it’s not about to complain,” Pochettino said. “For me it was embarrassing to see that situation and it’s a shame.”

The U.S. national team faces mounting pressure ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which it will primarily host along with Mexico and Canada. The team has two more friendlies scheduled for this year where it can try to fine tune its issues on and off the pitch.