ESPN’s telecast of the opening match of the 2014 World Cup between Brazil and Croatia netted a 2.8 rating and 4.4 million viewers. The number of viewers was 55% higher than the opening match of the 2010 World Cup between South Africa and Mexico, but 14% lower than Univision‘s numbers for the same Brazil-Croatia opener.
The match also placed as the fourth-highest in ESPN history for a Group Stage match, trailing only three United States matches.
The top-10 metered markets for the telecast were:
• Washington, DC (5.1),
• Boston (5.0),
• Miami-Ft. Lauderdale (4.7),
• Los Angeles (4.6),
• New York (4.5),
• San Francisco (4.3),
• Hartford-New Haven (4.3),
• Providence (3.9),
• Austin (3.9) and
• Orlando (3.8)
SEE MORE — Everything you need to know about the World Cup.
200+ Channels & Local Sports
- Price: Plans starting at $14.99/mo (Latino)
- Watch Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers
Every MLS Match in One Place
- Price: $12.99/mo (Now included with standard subscription)
- Watch every MLS regular season game, Playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $11.99/mo (or ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/mo)
- Features LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup & NWSL
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
- Price: Starting at $8.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A & Europa League
Home of the Premier League
- Price: Starting at $10.99/mo
- 175+ Exclusive EPL matches per season