USMNT's World Cup Exit Scores Historic Ratings

USMNT’s World Cup exit was a ratings story as the team’s Round of 16 loss to Belgium helped Fox break soccer-viewing records in the United States. The U.S. fell 4-1, drawing 30M viewers and becoming the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history. The broadcast peaked at 36.9M viewers from 9:15–9:30 a.m. ET during the second-half surge as Mauricio Pochettino’s side chased an equalizer. Fox had already set a benchmark in the previous round, with the USMNT’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina watched by 24.4M and peaking at nearly 32M. Belgium scored through Charles De Ketelaere after the U.S. equalized via Max Tillman in the 31st minute. De Ketelaere added again, Hans Vanaken scored after a goalkeeping error, and Romelu Lukaku finished in stoppage time.