FOX pulls in over 16MILLION viewers for USA’s 3-1 World Cup defeat by Holland

Over 16million Americans tuned in at the peak of FOX’s World Cup coverage to watch USA’s round of 16 defeat by Holland in Qatar on Saturday morning.

FOX Soccer, America’s World Cup broadcaster, published their figures on Sunday night and revealed the peak audience came during the second half when 16.368 million fans were watching the game.

The broadcaster said it was a rise of 163 per cent of on the average last-16 viewing figures it had for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, which USA did not qualify for. 

The USA’s World Cup run came to an end on Saturday with a 3-1 defeat against Holland 

There was a peak of 16million fans watching the USA team in action back home in America 

USA lost 3-1 to Holland to exit the tournament after making it out of Group B alongside England.

But overall, FOX has recorded good viewing figures for USA games across the tournament – suggesting the US team is enjoying an increase in support ahead of cohosting the World Cup in 2026 alongside Mexico and Canada. 

There were 15.6million fans watching the 1-0 win over Iran last Tuesday that sent the USA team into the knockouts and 15.4m for the 0-0 against England, the USA’s second game.  

The healthy figures are encouraging as the US turns its attention to a new cycle and a build-up to the 2026 World Cup.

FOX has recorded healthy viewing figures throughout USA’s World Cup run in Qatar 

But on Saturday, its 2022 run ended up as Holland recorded an authoritative 3-1 triumph.

Memphis Depay put Holland ahead after just 10 minutes with a ruthless finish and Daley Blind doubled the score on the stroke of halftime.

A fortuitous Haji Wright effort made it 2-1 and gave USA hope of a fightback but it lasted for five minutes, when Denzel Dumfries made the game safe for Holland.