Initial doubts about just how much the American public would take to the World Cup continue to prove ill-founded.
Indeed, even despite the USMNT being knocked out in the last 16 by Belgium, the interest clearly hasn’t waned.
The defending world champions will face the reigning European champions in the World Cup final. Who will win and why?
Host cities have embraced the World Cup but they are not alone. Even in places such as Chicago and Nashville, there was a palpable sense of genuine excitement.
The USMNT’s campaign might have ended in disappointing fashion but it has not stopped television screens across the country from tuning in.
11.462 million people watched Spain vs France in World Cup semi-final
Indeed, according to Variety, 11.462 million watched Spain beat France in the World Cup semi-finals in Dallas on Tuesday night.
That is a record number of viewers for a World Cup semi-final in U.S. English-language TV history. The fact it was played at 3pm local time on a weekday makes that number all the more impressive, too.
It underlines just how much Americans have taken to the tournament, with viewing records being broken on a seemingly constant basis during it.
Those watching were certainly treated to a brilliant Spanish performance, with the European champions making relatively light work of the much-fancied France.
Spain will face world champions Argentina in Sunday’s final, which will be held in New Jersey.
Lionel Messi’s team beat England 2-1 in Atlanta on Wednesday night, turning the game on its head after falling behind to an Anthony Gordon goal.
The World Cup final is the biggest game soccer has to offer, so it would be safe to assume that more records will be broken.
Messi, perhaps the greatest player in the history of the sport, will go up against what many deem to be his heir in the form of Spain forward Lamine Yamal.
It is a fascinating game, as is the third-placed play-off between France and England on Saturday night.
Read more:
The brutal NFL comparison fans are making for England’s collapse in Argentina semi-final
What Dave Portnoy needs explaining about Argentina’s World Cup performances after England win
The FIFA rule Argentina broke with political banner after World Cup semi-final win over England
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