The United States women’s national team (USWNT) continues to dominate the Women’s World Cup, not only on the field but also in terms of viewership. Wednesday’s match against the Netherlands set a new record as the most-watched group-stage match in U.S. history, drawing 6.43 million viewers on Fox. This surpassed the previous record set during the USWNT’s match against Chile in 2019 by over a million viewers.
In addition to the impressive numbers on Fox, the game also brought in 1.165 million viewers on Telemundo, according to media reporter Douglas Pucci. This demonstrates the widespread interest and support for women’s soccer in the United States.
The match between the USWNT and the Netherlands was highly anticipated as it was a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final. The two sides played to a 1-1 draw in the Group E clash, with U.S. captain Lindsey Horan scoring a second-half equalizer. This result adds to the excitement and drama surrounding the tournament.
So why did this game set a viewership record? Several factors contributed to its success. Firstly, the game aired in prime time with a 9 p.m. ET kickoff, making it easily accessible for viewers. Secondly, there was limited competition during this time of year in sports, allowing soccer fans to focus their attention on the match. Thirdly, there is significant interest in the USWNT, given their historical success and popularity. Lastly, the match had stakes as the Netherlands is a top 10-ranked team in the world, making it a highly competitive and compelling matchup.
Fox Sports also benefitted from the U.S. team trailing at halftime. This created suspense and kept viewers engaged, as they eagerly awaited Horan’s game-tying strike in the second half. Few people who invested their time in watching the match were likely to turn it off after such a thrilling turn of events.
It is worth noting that this game presented Fox with its best viewership opportunity for the group stage, as the U.S. team’s final group-stage match against Portugal will air at 3 a.m. ET on August 1. Therefore, it was crucial for Fox to capitalize on this matchup and attract as many viewers as possible.
The record-breaking viewership for this game is part of a larger trend of increased interest in women’s sports on television. This year has been particularly remarkable in terms of high-end women’s sports viewership. The success of the USWNT and their captivating performances have undoubtedly played a significant role in driving this trend.
In conclusion, the USWNT’s match against the Netherlands in the Women’s World Cup group stage set a new viewership record in the United States. The game attracted over 6 million viewers on Fox and showcased the immense popularity and support for women’s soccer. The factors that contributed to this record include the prime time airing, limited competition, the team’s historical significance, and the high stakes of the match. This record-breaking viewership is a testament to the growing interest in women’s sports and the captivating performances of the USWNT.