World Cup Semi-Final: England-Argentina Draws 24 Million UK Viewers

A peak audience of 24 million people tuned in to watch England’s defeat by Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, making it the most watched live television event in the UK in the past five years. The match, broadcast on broadcaster One and iPlayer, averaged 22.1 million viewers — the biggest audience for a broadcaster since the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy in 2021. England took the lead early in the second half through Anthony Gordon, but Enzo Fernández equalised with five minutes remaining. Lautaro Martínez then headed home in stoppage time to send the defending champions into a second consecutive World Cup final. There were 12.6 million additional streams on broadcaster iPlayer and the sources website and app. The sources live coverage page was viewed more than 24.6 million times globally, including 18.8 million in the UK. England will face France in the third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday at 22:00 BST, while Argentina take on Spain in the final in New Jersey on Sunday at 20:00. Both matches will be live on broadcaster One, iPlayer, radio and the sources website and app. “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,” said broadcaster Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski. “The extraordinary reach of our coverage across TV, iPlayer, broadcaster Sounds, the sources website, app and socials reflects the enduring power of major sporting events to create shared experiences on a remarkable scale.” He added: “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.”