Argentina-England World Cup Semifinal Draws 15.1 Million Viewers on Fox
10 reported
Fox Sports’ coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals set a new record for the second consecutive day. Wednesday’s match between Argentina and England averaged 15.063 million viewers on Fox, making it the most-watched FIFA Men’s World Cup semifinals match in English-language U.S. history. The game, which took place in Atlanta, peaked with 22.177 million viewers from 4:45 to 5 p.m. ET. The telecast was up 131% compared to the FIFA World Cup 2022 semifinals telecast average on Fox, which was 6.531 million viewers. Argentina won 2-1 with a last-minute goal, advancing to Sunday’s finals against Spain. The match also represented Fox’s most-watched Wednesday afternoon telecast in network history.
What’s reported
The Argentina-England match averaged 15.063 million viewers on Fox.
It is the most-watched FIFA Men’s World Cup semifinals match in English-language U.S. history.
The previous record was set Tuesday by Spain-France, which averaged 11.462 million viewers.
The game peaked with 22.177 million viewers from 4:45 to 5 p.m. ET.
Argentina won 2-1 with a last-minute goal, advancing to Sunday’s finals vs. Spain.
The telecast was up 131% vs. the 2022 semifinals average on Fox (6.531 million viewers).
It was Fox’s most-watched Wednesday afternoon telecast in network history.
England scored first in minute 55 via Anthony Gordon, assisted by Morgan Rogers.
Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez tied the match in the 87th minute.
Lionel Messi passed to Lautaro Martinez for the winning goal in the 91st minute.
Key figures
Anthony Gordon (England player, scored in minute 55)
Morgan Rogers (England player, assisted Gordon)
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina player, tied match in 87th minute)
Lionel Messi (Argentina player, assisted winning goal)
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina player, scored winning goal)
Sources: Variety
