US Belgium World Cup match sets record US soccer viewership

The United States' final match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup became the most-watched soccer telecast in American history, drawing a record audience despite the team's elimination. The U.S. men's national team lost 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday, July 6, in Seattle, ending the tournament for the last of the three co-hosts.

Fox Sports reported Tuesday that the match averaged approximately 30 million viewers for its English-language broadcast, setting a new benchmark for soccer viewership in the United States. Audience numbers peaked at more than 36.8 million viewers between 9:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time during the second half. The previous record had been set just days earlier, when the U.S. victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 averaged 26.4 million viewers.

The match was marked by a significant on-field error that contributed to the American defeat. In the 57th minute, U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese stumbled on the turf outside his penalty area while attempting to secure a long ball, leading directly to a third goal for Belgium. The U.S. had briefly equalized in the 31st minute through Malik Tillman, but Belgium retook the lead two minutes later on...