local
US-Belgium match draws biggest soccer audience in US history
By Justin Boggs at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 8, 2026
· 2 min read
Mondays United States-Belgium World Cup match was the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history, Fox Sports reported.According to Fox, the match drew more than 30 million viewers. Viewership peaked at 36 million early in the second half of Mondays match. The United States lost 4-1 to Belgium.M...
Key takeaway Meanwhile, Telemundo said its Spanish-language broadcast reached 12 million viewers, which NBCUniversal said is a record for a U.
Why this matters in The Waco
The record-breaking viewership of the US-Belgium World Cup match is likely to have a ripple effect in Waco , where local sports bars and restaurants may have seen a surge in customers gathering to watch the game. The significant interest in the World Cup, even in matches not involving the US, could also translate to increased demand for international sports programming in the area. With the US hosting the World Cup, Waco residents may be more likely to engage with the tournament, even if they are not traditional soccer fans. The city's diverse community, with a growing Hispanic population, may also be reflected in the strong viewership numbers for Telemundo's Spanish-language broadcasts. As the tournament continues, local businesses and organizations may look to capitalize on the excitement, hosting watch parties and other events to bring the community together and foster a sense of civic pride.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Mondays United States-Belgium World Cup match was the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history, Fox Sports reported.According to Fox, the match drew more than 30 million viewers. Viewership peaked at 36 million early in the second half of Mondays match. The United States lost 4-1 to Belgium.M...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Justin Boggs at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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