Story perspectives

US Soccer Sets Viewership Record, Wins 2-0 vs Bosnia

7/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

The match drew a record 24.43 million viewers on Fox, peaked at 31.88 million and, with Telemundo’s Spanish telecast adding 9.1 million, reached a total U.S. audience of 33.53 million, the highest-rated English-language soccer broadcast in U.S. history.
Midfielder Malik Tillman scored the free-kick in the 82nd minute, giving the United States a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Striker Folarin Balogun received a red card and will miss the Round of 16 match against Belgium.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the United States co-hosted the FIFA World Cup, a milestone that sparked a 30 percent surge in youth soccer registrations and introduced major sponsors such as Coca-Cola. Decades later, the 2024 friendly against Bosnia drew 33.5 million TV viewers, showing how the tournament’s early broadcast success still drives American interest and shapes MLS and future host bids.

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Story summary

The match drew a record 24.43 million viewers on Fox, peaked at 31.88 million and, with Telemundo’s Spanish telecast adding 9.1 million, reached a total U.S. audience of 33.53 million, the highest-rated English-language soccer broadcast in U.S. history.
Midfielder Malik Tillman scored the free-kick in the 82nd minute, giving the United States a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Striker Folarin Balogun received a red card and will miss the Round of 16 match against Belgium.

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