Euro Final Shatters US Viewership Records
The UEFA Euro 2020 Final, a dramatic penalty shootout win for Italy over England, captivated audiences across the United States, setting a new record for the most-watched European Championship match in US history. The thrilling match drew an average audience of 6,488,000 viewers on ESPN, a staggering 43% increase compared to the viewership of the 2016 Euro Final. This impressive number also surpasses the previous high of 4,567,000 viewers set during the Spain vs. Italy final in Euro 2012. Furthermore, the Euro 2020 Final became the most-watched soccer telecast in the United States since July 2019, solidifying its position as a major sporting event for American viewers.
The peak viewership during the nail-biting penalty shootout reached a remarkable 8,199,000 viewers, demonstrating the immense excitement and tension surrounding the decisive moments of the Euro final. This surge in viewership underscores the growing popularity of soccer in the United States and the captivating nature of high-stakes international tournaments like the Euros.
The overall success of Euro 2020 extended beyond the final match. Throughout the tournament’s 51 matches, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 garnered an average viewership of 1,363,000, marking a significant 31% increase compared to the 2016 tournament. This substantial growth in viewership highlights the expanding appeal of the European Championship to American audiences.
Each stage of the tournament experienced a surge in viewership compared to the 2016 Euros. The group stage matches averaged 870,000 viewers (a 23% increase), the Round of 16 averaged 1,816,000 viewers (a 38% increase), the quarterfinals averaged 2,018,000 viewers (a 16% increase), and the semifinals averaged an impressive 2,561,000 viewers (a 37% increase).
The Euro 2020 Final’s record-breaking viewership solidifies its place among the top 10 most-watched Euro matches in the US since 2008, when ABC/ESPN began broadcasting the tournament. The 2021 final tops the list, followed by the 2012 and 2016 finals, indicating a consistent interest in the championship match. Other notable entries in the top 10 include the England vs. Denmark semifinal (2,661,000 viewers) and the Belgium vs. Portugal Round of 16 match (2,653,000 viewers), both from Euro 2020.
| Date | Matchup | Network | Viewers (P2+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, July 11, 2021 | Italy vs. England (Final) | ESPN | 6,488,000 |
| Sun, July 1, 2012 | Spain vs. Italy (Final) | ESPN | 4,567,000 |
| Sun, July 10, 2016 | Portugal vs. France (Final) | ESPN | 4,538,000 |
| Sun, June 29, 2008 | Germany vs. Spain (Final) | ABC | 4,133,000 |
| Sun, June 24, 2012 | England vs. Italy (Quarterfinal) | ESPN | 3,103,000 |
| Wed, July 7, 2021 | England vs. Denmark (Semifinal) | ESPN | 2,661,000 |
| Sun, June 17, 2021 | Belgium vs. Portugal (Round of 16) | ABC | 2,653,000 |
| Sat, July 3, 2021 | Ukraine vs. England (Quarterfinal) | ABC | 2,534,000 |
| Tue, July 6, 2021 | Italy vs. Spain (Semifinal) | ESPN | 2,461,000 |
| Fri, July 2, 2021 | Belgium vs. Italy (Quarterfinal) | ESPN | 2,368,000 |
This table clearly illustrates the dominance of the Euro final in attracting viewers, with the 2021 Italy vs. England match significantly outperforming all other previous matches in terms of viewership. The high viewership numbers for key matches in Euro 2020 reflect the tournament’s widespread appeal and its ability to engage a large audience in the US.