Key Details
FOX Sports` broadcast of the United States Men`s National Team`s (USMNT) Gold Cup quarter-final match versus Costa Rica attracted an unprecedented 1.9 million viewers. This figure establishes the game as the most-watched Gold Cup match ever on English-language television in the United States, excluding finals. According to Fox Sports data, this represents a significant 36 percent rise in viewership compared to the USMNT`s 2023 Gold Cup quarter-final match against Canada, which drew 1.4 million viewers.
The game on June 29 ended in a 2-2 draw after regulation time before the American side secured a 4-3 victory in a dramatic penalty shootout. Viewership for the broadcast peaked during this tense conclusion. The highest audience, reaching 2.834 million viewers, was recorded between 9:00-9:15 PM Eastern Time as the penalty shootout unfolded, particularly during the decisive moment when goalkeeper Matt Freese made the game-winning save.
Broader Impact
This viewership milestone underscores the continuous growth of soccer broadcasting in the United States and reflects the sport`s increasing presence within the American sports landscape. The fact that a quarter-final match in a regional tournament garnered higher viewership than previous semi-finals and earlier knockout rounds highlights the rising interest in the USMNT and the Gold Cup competition itself.
What`s Next
The USMNT is scheduled to face Guatemala in the semi-finals of the 2025 Gold Cup on July 2. If the team advances further in the tournament, this upcoming match or a potential final could potentially lead to additional viewership records being broken.
