USMNT draws record audience in 2026 World Cup despite Round of 16 exit
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 6:10 PM
Last updated Aug 19, 2026
The USMNT's opening match against Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup attracted 27.5 million viewers, the highest ever for a U.S. broadcast. Despite this record interest, the team exited the tournament after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16. This outcome mirrors a common trend where the team struggles to advance past the early knockout stages in recent World Cups. Interest in soccer in the U.S. is growing, with 12% of Americans actively following the sport as of 2026, up from 8% in 2022. The challenge now for U.S. Soccer is converting this newfound enthusiasm into sustained support for domestic leagues and future national team matches.
- •USMNT's match against Paraguay attracted 27.5 million viewers.
- •The team lost 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16.
- •Attendance for USMNT home games averaged 37,039 fans during 2023-2026.
- •Interest in soccer increased from 8% to 12% among Americans since 2022.
- •Majority of fans expected a Round of 16 finish ahead of the tournament.
- 6:10 PMYahoo Sports — USMNT's Home World Cup: Record Interest, Same Ceiling
"Hosting the 2026 World Cup produced the largest audience the USMNT has ever had inside its own borders. The team's opener against Paraguay became the most-watched football match ever broadcast in the ...
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