Semi-final clash averaged a mammoth 22.1 million viewers

BBC Sport 2026 World Cup

A peak of 24 million viewers tuned into the BBC’s coverage of England’s defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on BBC1 and iPlayer. 

This gave it an 85% share of all TV viewing at the time, and made it the most-watched live television moment of the year across all broadcasters and the biggest live TV audience for a broadcaster since 2021 (the Euro 2020 Final between Italy and England).

The game, which England lost 2-1 to two late Argentina goals, averaged 22.1 million viewers and was streamed 12.6 million times across iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app. This included 2.8 million UHD streams of the match, and a record breaking 1.8 million concurrent UHD streams. 

The BBC’s immersive 3D match experience, which you can read more about here, was used 192,000 times, taking it to 4.6 million uses across the whole tournament so far. 

Also, the BBC Sport live coverage page on the website and app was viewed more than 24.6 million times globally, including 18.8 million views in the UK, and the BBC Sport social channels attracted 75 million video views on Wednesday 15 July alone with 2.25 billion over the tournament so far. 

The World Cup final will be shared by the BBC and ITV, and available to watch across both broadcasters on 19 July. The BBC’s coverage will have Gabby Logan, Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards and Joe Hart live from inside the New York New Jersey Stadium with Guy Mowbray and Alan Shearer on commentary. 

In addition, England’s third place play-off with France will be shown by the BBC on 18 July. Jason Mohammad will present coverage live on BBC1 and iPlayer from 9:30pm. 

BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski said: “Last night may not have brought the result England fans were hoping for, but it was another occasion that united millions across the UK in support of the team. Audiences came together on the BBC to witness a World Cup semi-final that captured the emotion, drama and pride that football can deliver.

“Throughout this tournament, audiences have turned to the BBC not just for the live matches, but to share in the stories, the analysis and the moments that bring the nation together. The extraordinary reach of our coverage across TV, iPlayer, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website, app and socials, reflects the enduring power of major sporting events to create shared experiences on a remarkable scale.

“We’re incredibly proud to have been alongside audiences throughout England’s World Cup journey, bringing every moment to fans across the UK. While England’s campaign has come to an end, the story of this World Cup is not over. Sunday’s Final promises to be another unforgettable occasion, and we’ll be there to bring audiences every moment as Argentina and Spain battle to become world champions.”