US-Belgium Match Could Draw Record TV Audience Amid the Trump World Cup Controversy

The article examines how political controversy, strong fan interest, and the World Cup’s summer schedule contributed to expectations of record US television viewership for the match against Belgium.

Key Takeaways:

• Controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s postponed suspension and President Donald Trump’s call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino increased attention ahead of the match.
• Mitchell identified the tournament’s shift from a winter schedule in Qatar to a summer schedule as a major factor driving US viewership.
• With the NFL, NBA, and NHL out of season, the World Cup faced less competition for sports fans’ attention beyond Major League Baseball.

“The seasonal shift [Northern Hemisphere summer vs. winter four years ago, when Qatar hosted] is one of the single biggest drivers behind these staggering viewership numbers. Mostly undivided sports-viewing attention since (except for MLB) more sports fans are available in the summer without NFL, NBA, NHL, etc," said Professor Mitchell. 

Read the full article.