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FIFA World Cup 2026: U.S.-Belgium most-watched soccer match in American TV history
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
The U.S. men’s national soccer team did not have the numbers on the pitch during their World Cup loss on Monday, but the squad pulled record numbers on television.Read more trending newsThe USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 set a viewership record, according to Fox News. The highly ant...
Key takeaway Read more trending newsThe USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 set a viewership record, according to Fox News.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The record-breaking viewership of the US-Belgium soccer match is a significant indicator of the growing interest in soccer among Atlantans. As the city continues to diversify, its residents are becoming increasingly enthusiastic about the sport, with many gathering in local bars and restaurants to watch international matches. This trend is likely to have a positive impact on local businesses, particularly those that cater to soccer fans. Furthermore, the high viewership numbers may also lead to increased investment in local soccer infrastructure, potentially benefiting Atlanta 's own soccer teams and programs. With the city's strong sports culture, it is likely that the popularity of soccer will continue to grow, making Atlanta an attractive location for future soccer events and tournaments. As a result, local officials and business owners should take note of this trend and explore ways to capitalize on the city's growing soccer fan base.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta 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 WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The U.S. men’s national soccer team did not have the numbers on the pitch during their World Cup loss on Monday, but the squad pulled record numbers on television.Read more trending newsThe USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 set a viewership record, according to Fox News. The highly ant...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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