A record-breaking 25 million people in the US tuned in to watch the USMNT’s opening game against Paraguay, making it one of the most-watched soccer games ever broadcast in the country.
The impressive viewership numbers have continued, with over 22 million watching the team’s subsequent games against Australia and Turkey, rivaling the averages of the NBA finals and the MLB World Series.
World Cup Fever Hits the US
Fans have been showing up in large numbers to watch parties and fan festivals across the country, from sweaty sports bars to crowded parks, with over 4.6 million fans attending group stage matches and filling 99.7% of available seats.
The strong turnout has been a boon for soccer organizers and longtime fans, who had hoped the tournament would be a success despite initial criticism over high ticket prices and concerns about the US being a problematic host.
According to Bret Myers, a sports analytics expert at Villanova University, “Soccer has won” in terms of drowning out potential issues and controversies, with fans embracing the sport in record-breaking numbers.
What’s Next for the US Team
As the US heads into its knockout stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome, with many believing that the team has a strong chance of advancing to the next round.
The success of the World Cup in the US has broader implications for the sport, with many seeing it as a turning point for soccer in the country, and a sign that the sport is finally gaining the traction it deserves.
The World Cup’s success is a significant milestone for soccer in the US, marking a new era of growth and popularity for the sport, and cementing its place as a major player in the country’s sports landscape.
