Title: USWNT’s Opening Match in 2023 Women’s World Cup Draws Impressive Viewership Despite Late Time Slot and Lesser Opponent
The US Women’s National Team (USWNT) kicked off their campaign in the 2023 Women’s World Cup with a highly-anticipated match against Vietnam, and the viewership numbers did not disappoint. The game, which took place on a Friday night at 9 p.m. ET, attracted a remarkable average of 5.26 million viewers, peaking at a staggering 6.55 million. These ratings marked a significant 99% increase from the USWNT’s opener in the 2019 tournament and are now the second-highest ratings recorded for any Women’s World Cup group stage game.
In addition to these outstanding numbers, when factoring in the Spanish telecast on Telemundo, the average viewership count rose to an impressive 6.26 million. This level of support and interest demonstrates the growing enthusiasm and engagement surrounding women’s soccer in the United States.
Despite initial expectations of a blowout victory for the USWNT, the Vietnamese team’s physical defensive strategy proved to be challenging at times. Ranked 32nd in the world, Vietnam managed to cause some issues for their more formidable opponents. However, through their dominant possession and skillful play, the USWNT emerged with a 3-0 victory.
These remarkable ratings are even more commendable given the quality of the opponent and the unfavorable time slot at 9 p.m. ET on a Friday night. The match faced competition from Lionel Messi’s eagerly anticipated Major League Soccer (MLS) debut with Inter Miami, which started just before the USWNT’s game. The fact that viewers still chose to tune in and support the Women’s World Cup speaks volumes about the growing popularity and recognition of women’s soccer.
Looking ahead to their upcoming matches in the tournament, the USWNT is set to face the Netherlands on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on Fox. This highly anticipated clash promises to be an exciting encounter, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how the USWNT performs against one of the world’s top-ranked teams.
On August 1 at 3 a.m. ET, the USWNT will then take on Portugal in a match that may not generate the same high ratings due to the early morning time slot. Nonetheless, the dedicated fans are expected to continue their unwavering support and cheer on their team throughout the competition.
As the 2023 Women’s World Cup progresses, the outstanding viewership figures from the USWNT’s opening match against Vietnam showcase the growing popularity and enthusiasm for women’s soccer in the United States. With each captivating match, the USWNT has the opportunity to inspire new generations and further elevate the sport on a global scale.
