FOX has once again set a new record with its coverage of the Euro 2024, boasting the most-watched semifinals in U.S. history. The network's viewership figures have consistently outperformed previous records, demonstrating a growing interest in international soccer among American audiences.
The group stage of the tournament attracted an average of 1.04 million viewers, narrowly surpassing America’s previous English-language record set during the initial phase of the competition in 2012. This figure also represents a significant increase over recent years, with a growth rate of 30% compared to Euros from 2021. The semifinal matchup of Spain vs France on July 9th saw an average viewership surge to an impressive figure of approximately 3.19 million people tuning into FOX's coverage - making it the most-watched Euro semifinal in U.S English-language history.
Breaking down the numbers
The semifinal matchup between Spain and France on July 9th saw an average viewership surge to an impressive figure of approximately 3.19 million people tuning into FOX's coverage, making it the most-watched Euro semifinal in U.S. English-language history. On game day alone, this highly anticipated match peaked at around 4.2 million viewers - shattering previous records by considerable margins.
The Spain-France game topped the average American audience for the Euro 2021 semifinal by a staggering margin of about 38% and surpassed another popular match between Spain and Italy by 44%. Miami, San Diego, and Los Angeles emerged as top markets for this particular match which saw Spain triumph over France to advance to Euro 2024 final.
England vs Netherlands match attracts millions
England's victory against Netherlands was not far behind either when it comes to attracting American soccer fans' attention. According to FOX reports, this second Euro semi-final garnered an average viewership count close to 2.97 million Americans, making it second-most watched Euros semi-final on U.S TV after Spain-France clash. Washington D.C., San Diego, and San Francisco were the biggest American markets for this game.
When combined, an average of 3.08 million fans watched the Euro 2024 semifinals on FOX - a record-breaking figure that gives the network its highest ratings for any Euro final four in U.S English-language history. This is an impressive 33% increase compared to viewership figures from European championships in 2021.
Dominance over Copa America coverage
FOX's coverage of each Euro 2024 match is averaging just over 1.5 million viewers per game, marking a significant rise of about 40% over ESPN/ABC’s coverage of Euro 2020 held in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite holding American English-language broadcasting rights to both Copa America and Euros, FOX's coverage of Euros has been more successful with double the viewership compared to Copa America on FS1 - even though matches are broadcasted at different times.
With England vs Spain von Sunday, July 14th for the title, FOX aims to maintain this momentum. Spain has won three times previously with their most recent victory in 2012 while England seeks their first European championship win. This surge in interest among American audiences indicates a promising future for international soccer broadcasts within U.S markets as well as potential growth opportunities for sports betting enthusiasts.
