• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

US World Cup Opener Viewership Lags Behind Last Two Appearances

  • Fox averages 8.3 million viewers for English-language coverage.
  • Both the 2014 and 2010 openers drew more, but they were in more traditional viewing windows.
USMNT Christian Pulisic reaches for leg in pain during World Cup match against Wales
Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

The U.S. men’s national team’s first match at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar drew nearly 12 million television viewers.

While it was the most streamed Group Stage match in Fox Sports history with an AMA of 563,000 viewers, overall it lagged behind the last two appearances for the Americans.

But, given the rarity of playing in the fall — and the 2 p.m. ET kickoff on a Monday — it’s not exactly an apples to apples comparison.

  • The 1-1 draw between USA and Wales averaged a combined 11.71 million viewers on Fox Sports and Telemundo Monday.
  • Fox’s English-language coverage averaged 8.3 million viewers across broadcast and digital platforms. Telemundo’s Spanish-language coverage averaged 3.4 million viewers. 
  • The match peaked at 9.4 million viewers on Fox from 3:45 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET.

Fox’s viewership trailed that for the USMNT’s opening matches at both the 2014 Brazil World Cup in (11.1M, ESPN) and 2010 South Africa World Cup (13M, ABC), noted Sports Media Watch

USMNT striker Josh Sargent heads ball towards Welsh goal during World Cup match

Fox Catching Flak For Tone-Deaf World Cup Coverage

Network’s early World Cup coverage ignores Qatar’s human rights record.
November 21, 2022

Those matches not only took place in the traditional summer months, but the 2014 opener was later in the day and the 2010 opener was on a Sunday.

Still, Fox said the first three-match average of 4,026,000 was up 193% from the first three matches of 2018.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Netflix Boxing Ratings Spark New Fight Over Streaming Metrics

The streamer used a non-accredited process to measure the boxing match.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Netflix Christmas GameDay cake seen after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

‘We Didn’t Get a Test Run’: Greg Olsen on Netflix NFL Christmas..

Greg Olsen said the game was uncharted territory for him.
Eric Shanks

World Cup Will Be Fox’s ‘Biggest Undertaking’ Ever

The tournament is expanding from 32 to 48 teams.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
Greg Olsen
September 16, 2025

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
exclusive
September 16, 2025

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
September 15, 2025

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
September 15, 2025

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
Las Vegas Aces
September 15, 2025

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.
September 15, 2025

Chiefs’ Fall to 0–2 Dims the Spotlight on NFL’s Top TV Draw

The NFL’s most-watched team sinks to a new low since Patrick Mahomes arrived.