The UEFA EURO 2020 final, which saw Italy triumph over England in a thrilling penalty shootout, has become the most-watched European Football Championship match ever broadcast in the United States. ESPN’s telecast of the Euro Match captivated an average audience of 6,488,000 viewers, marking a significant milestone for soccer viewership in the U.S.
This euro match final viewership represents a staggering 43 percent increase compared to the 2016 final and surpasses the previous record of 4,567,000 viewers set during the EURO 2012 final between Spain and Italy. Notably, viewership peaked at an impressive 8,199,000 during the nail-biting penalty shootout, demonstrating the intense interest in this high-stakes euro match. This final also stands as the most-viewed soccer telecast in the United States since July 2019, underscoring the growing popularity of European football among American audiences.
| Date | Matchup | Network | Viewers (P2+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 11, 2021 | Italy vs. England | ESPN | 6,488,000 |
| July 1, 2012 | Spain vs. Italy | ESPN | 4,567,000 |
| July 10, 2016 | Portugal vs. France | ESPN | 4,538,000 |
| June 29, 2008 | Germany vs. Spain | ABC | 4,133,000 |
The overall UEFA EURO 2020 tournament also experienced a substantial rise in viewership across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2. Throughout the 51 matches, an average of 1,363,000 viewers tuned in, marking a 31 percent increase compared to the 2016 tournament. This consistent growth was evident across all stages of the competition. The group stage matches averaged 870,000 viewers (a 23 percent increase), the Round of 16 drew 1,816,000 viewers (a 38 percent increase), the Quarterfinals averaged 2,018,000 viewers (a 16 percent increase), and the Semifinals reached an average of 2,561,000 viewers (a 37 percent increase).
The success of the UEFA EURO 2020 broadcasts highlights the increasing appeal of euro matches and European soccer to the U.S. audience. The thrilling final euro match between Italy and England not only set a new viewership record but also contributed to a broader trend of growing interest in international soccer within the United States. This data suggests a promising future for euro match broadcasts and soccer in general within the American sports market.
