U.S. vs Belgium Draws 42M Viewers, Beats NFL Ratings

The 2026 World Cup Round of 16 clash between the United States and Belgium attracted an average audience of 42 million viewers, according to preliminary Fox and Telemundo data. Sixty‑five percent tuned in on Fox’s English broadcast (30 million), while 12 million watched the Spanish‑language feed on Telemundo and Peacock. The figure eclipses the NFL divisional round’s 39.2 million viewers in January. The U.S. team’s early exit may curb growth in later rounds, but the 42 million count underscores soccer’s rise as a mainstream American sport. cricket-info.homes