The United States men’s national soccer team’s victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in a World Cup qualifier drew an unprecedented 2.8 million viewers on ABC, marking the most-watched soccer telecast in English-language history, according to Nielsen Media Research. The match, played on March 25, 2023, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, surpassed the previous record of 2.6 million viewers for the 2022 World Cup group-stage match between the U.S. and England, as reported by ESPN.
The surge in viewership reflects a growing national interest in soccer, fueled by the U.S. team’s resurgence under coach Gregg Berhalter and the sport’s expanding popularity across the country. The game, which the U.S. won 2-0, featured standout performances from forward Christian Pulisic and midfielder Tyler Adams, both of whom were highlighted in post-match analyses by major sports networks.
Viewership Breakdown and Historical Context
The 2.8 million viewership figure, as measured by Nielsen, represents a 12% increase over the previous record set during the 2022 World Cup clash against England. This milestone underscores the sport’s growing appeal, particularly among younger audiences. According to a 2023 report by the Sports Business Journal, soccer’s viewership in the U.S. has grown by 18% over the past five years, driven by the success of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT).
The match’s broadcast on ABC, a network traditionally associated with American football and primetime television, also signaled a shift in media strategies. “This is a historic moment for soccer in the U.S.,” said ABC Sports executive producer Michael Smith. “We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for live sports coverage, and this match is a testament to the sport’s growing fanbase.”
Historically, soccer has struggled to compete with American football and basketball in terms of viewership. However, the 2023 match’s performance suggests a changing landscape. The U.S. men’s team’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup, combined with the success of the USWNT, has helped elevate the sport’s profile. The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which saw the U.S. team win its fourth title, further contributed to soccer’s mainstream acceptance.
Key Players and Match Highlights
Christian Pulisic, the U.S. team’s leading scorer, opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a well-placed strike from the edge of the box. The goal was assisted by Adams, whose precise through ball created the opportunity. Pulisic, who plays for Chelsea in the English Premier League, has been a pivotal figure in the team’s recent success, scoring 24 goals in 67 appearances for the national team since 2017