​The round of 16 clash between England and Mexico has set a new record as the most-watched World Cup match in English broadcast history that did not involve the United States, according to Fox. In a statement issued Wednesday, Fox reported that an average audience of more than 21.7 million tuned in to see England secure a 3-2 victory in Mexico City on Sunday night. This figure surpasses the previous English-language World Cup audience record, which was 16.7 million for the Argentina–France final in 2022.
Fox noted that the viewership reached its peak at more than 25.7 million viewers during the 10:15 to 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time window. The network highlighted that the following night’s United States–Belgium game drew an audience of 30 million, making it the most-watched match overall in the tournament so far.
For those seeking broader context on World Cup coverage, AP’s reporting offers additional insights and analysis that can help readers understand the evolving landscape of tournament viewership, broadcast strategies, and regional interest as the competition progresses. The record established by the England–Mexico match underscores the continued global appeal of the World Cup and the significant role that English-language broadcasts play in shaping the tournament’s audience, especially for matches not featuring the United States.
With the tournament continuing to unfold, fans and analysts will likely be watching to see how subsequent matches perform in comparison to these milestones. Broadcast networks will no doubt use these metrics to gauge demand, optimize scheduling, and adjust promotional efforts as teams compete for a place in the later stages of the competition. The record cited by Fox reflects not only the popularity of the England–Mexico meeting but also the broader appetite for high-stakes cup ties across the World Cup calendar.