Soccer is the most watched sport on the planet. It is common to ask yourself: โWhat is the most-watched soccer game ever?โ
Well, in short, the most-watched soccer game ever was between France vs Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar which saw a viewership of 1.5 billion people as per FIFA.
But, the world of soccer is vast, with unforgettable club clashes and international showdowns in different competitions.
In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the viewership of club competitions and other notable international clashes. We will discuss their global impact and the factors that make them stand out.
Most watched soccer matches โ Club Level
Step onto the hallowed turf of soccerโs most exhilarating club clashes. These matches arenโt just games; theyโre moments that ignite passions and spark unforgettable memories.
Champions League 2018 Final: A Clash of Titans
The 2018 Champions League final saw two iconic clubs, Real Madrid and Liverpool compete for the biggest prize in European club soccer.
Both of these clubs have a dedicated fanbase around the globe due to which the match saw an estimated viewership of 400 Million around the globe.
El Clasico 2020: Rivalry Ignites
The 2020 El Clasico between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona saw the viewership cross the 100 Million mark which is the highest viewership record in La Liga.
FA Cup 2020 Final: English Glory
FA Cup is one of the oldest soccer competitions at the club level founded in 1871. The 2020 edition on the sacred Wembley turf set a record of 80 Million viewers worldwide.
The tie between the London Clubs Arsenal and Chelsea reached high viewership in the season marked by the pandemic which resulted in fans watching the action from home.
Derby di Milano 2017: A Tale of Passion
The 2017 edition of the most fierce rival in Italy etched itself into memory. The clash between AC Milan and Inter Milan in Serie A saw a viewership of around 70 Million. The intensity of this encounter echoed far beyond Italyโs borders.
Summary
| Event | Match | Viewership (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| Champions League 2018 Final | Real Madrid vs. Barcelona | 400 |
| El Clasico 2020 | Inter Milan vs. AC Milan | 100 |
| FA Cup 2020 Final | Arsenal vs Chelsea | 80 |
| Derby di Milano 2017 | Inter Milan vs AC Milan | 70 |
Most watched soccer matches โ International Level
FIFA World Cup dominates the top 5 rankings in terms of viewership:
| World Cup Year | Final Match | Match Description | Viewership |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Italy vs France | A Memorable World Cup marked by Zinedine Zidaneโs headbutt. | 715 Million |
| 2010 | Netherlands vs Spain | Spain won their first world cup with a winner from Andres Iniesta. | 909.6 Million |
| 2014 | Argentina vs Germany | Lionel Messi outshined Kylian Mbappe to win his first World Cup. | 1.01 Billion |
| 2018 | France vs Croatia | Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba led France to the World Cup Glory. | 1.12 billion |
| 2022 | Argentina vs France | Lionel Messi outshined Kylian Mbappe to win his first world cup. | 1.5 Billion |
While global soccer captures the imagination, Major League Soccer (MLS) has also etched its mark on the viewership landscape. Letโs delve into some of the most watched matches that have galvanized fans in North America and beyond.
Soccer Competition with the Most Viewership
While individual matches captivate hearts, certain soccer competitions rise above the rest, commanding the attention of millions of fans around the world.
FIFA World Cup: The Global Phenomenon
At the summit of soccer competitions sits the FIFA World Cup, an event that transcends borders and languages.
Held every four years, this tournament transforms nations into passionate supporters, and stadiums into cauldrons of emotion. The World Cup final is the most watched event in soccer with viewership growing from 715 Million in 2006 to 1.5 Billion in 2022.
UEFA Champions League: Europeโs Elite Showdown
The UEFA Champions League brings together Europeโs finest clubs in a competition that captures the imagination of fans worldwide. The stakes are high as the continentโs football giants clash, showcasing skill, strategy, and drama.
The viewership of the 2018 final between Real Madrid vs Liverpool, saw a viewership of 400 Million viewers.
Other Noteworthy Competitions
While the World Cup and the Champions League dominate the viewership landscape, other competitions also leave their mark. The Copa America, Copa del Rey, and Copa Libertadores, among others, draw fervent followings in their respective regions. These tournaments offer a unique flavor of soccer and contribute to the diverse tapestry of the sport.
Most watched soccer matches in MLS
The MLS Cup Finals are the culmination of a seasonโs worth of battles, showcasing the best of North American soccer.
| Rank | Year | Final Match | Viewership (Millions) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2016 | Toronto FC vs. Seattle Sounders | 2.0 | The 2016 MLS Cup Final marked a pivotal moment, crowning a new champion with fervent fan bases and 2.0 million viewers. |
| 5 | 2001 | San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy | 2.0 | The 2001 match showcased California soccer passion, drawing 2.0 million viewers and exemplifying regional fervour. |
| 4 | 2022 | LAFC vs. Philadelphia Union | 2.2 | The 2022 final on multiple networks attracted 2.2 million viewers, embodying the leagueโs expanding popularity. |
| 3 | 1998 | Chicago Fire vs. DC United | 2.2 | The 1998 showdown displayed the leagueโs development, with 2.2 million viewers witnessing an evolving competition. |
| 2 | 1997 | DC United vs. Colorado Rapids | 2.6 | The 1997 championship, watched by 2.6 million, further solidified the MLS Cup Finalโs significance in American sports. |
| 1 | 1996 | DC United vs. LA Galaxy | 3.1 | The inaugural 1996 final drew an astonishing 3.1 million viewers, marking the beginning of a new era in American soccer. |
These matches arenโt just games; theyโre grand spectacles that draw viewers from all corners of the USA.
FAQs
The most-watched soccer game ever was between France vs Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar which saw a viewership of 1.5 billion people as per FIFA.
The inaugural 1996 MLS final drew an astonishing 3.1 million viewers. It marked the beginning of a new era in American soccer.
The most-watched match in FIFA history was between France vs Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar which saw a viewership of 1.5 billion people as per FIFA.
