
<p>SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is the host of next summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup Final. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/03/who-should-host-the-world-cup-final-in-2026/">state-of-the-art facility</a> in the LA suburbs is also a location of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2026-world-cup-cities-reveal-live-thread-20220616-CMS-390036.html">several World Cup games in 2026</a>. National Football League’s Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers currently call the arena home.</p>



<p>“SoFi Stadium is a world class venue and Los Angeles has hosted so many iconic Gold Cup moments, making this stadium a fantastic choice to stage our 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final,” claimed CONCACAF president and FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani in a press release.  </p>



<p>“This competition continues to deliver on and off the pitch, with last year’s expanded edition showcasing outstanding football combined with passionate support from fans from all corners of our wonderful region.”</p>



<p>Montagliani also announced that the competition will keep the preliminary round format as well.  “I am particularly pleased that in addition to announcing such an exciting stadium for our Final, we can also confirm that next year’s Gold Cup will continue to feature a preliminary round, allowing even more teams to experience the Gold Cup.”</p>



<p>Jason Gannon, the managing director at the stadium joined in the excitement of the news.  “The Los Angeles region has a celebrated history of hosting iconic soccer matches, and we look forward to adding to that legacy when we welcome CONCACAF’s Gold Cup Final to SoFi Stadium on July 16, 2023,” stated Gannon. </p>



<h2>SoFi Stadium hosting the 2023 Gold Cup Final</h2>



<p>Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke owns SoFi Stadium.  He also currently owns the aforementioned Los Angeles Rams, along with the Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche. Normally, SoFi Stadium holds about 70,000 in seats. However, that figure rises to 100,000 for major events.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="LA Galaxy vs. Chivas Guadalajara | Highlights | ESPN FC" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sMmTkQh6vhw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>The 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup will take place between June 16th and July 16th of next year.  The United States men’s national team are the current defending champions of the tournament.  CONCACAF generally includes national teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. However, CONCACAF can invite other nations to play in the competition as well.</p>



<p>Tickets go on sale on Monday, November 7th at 10:00AM (PT).  These can be purchased on <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ticketmaster.com</a> or <a href="https://www.concacaf.com/gold-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GoldCup.org</a>.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</em></p>


The 2023 Gold Cup Final is set for SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which is also a location for a number of World Cup games in 2026.

2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final to be played at SoFi Stadium

<div id="attachment_365820" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-365820" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Much like attendance, the USMNT TV ratings in 2021 gauge the popularity and growth of soccer in the country.</p>
<p>Ratings for the Premier League and the Champions League grew over recent years. Consequently, soccer found its niche in the diverse American sporting landscape.</p>
<p>However, the USMNT TV ratings always seemed to fluctuate depending on a variety of factors. That is, unsurprisingly, things such as team form, opponent, the competition among other things.</p>
<p>As was the case with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/23/usmnt-annual-attendance-show-8-increase-since-2019/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">crowds at games</a>, TV ratings for the US were almost non-existent in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly hampered the consistency and availability of games. Then, 2021 saw viewers start to tune back in as the US started to rack up the wins and accumulate some hardware. As you see below, it is important to account for English- and Spanish-language coverage of the team. The diversity of the nation is not catered to by just one language.</p>
<h3>USMNT TV Ratings in 2021</h3>
<h5>Friendlies</h5>
<p>Friendlies come throughout the year, with the bulk of these coming at the start. The USMNT wrapped up its 2022 schedule in December against Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina ahead of World Cup Qualifying in January.</p>
<p>Spanish-language viewing figures for the friendlies against Trinidad &amp; Tobago, Jamaica, and Switzerland are unavailable.</p>
<p>Here is how the USMNT TV rating in 2021 stacked up for friendlies</p>
<table class="tableizer-table">
<thead>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow">
<th>Opponent</th>
<th>English TV Channel</th>
<th>English TV Audience</th>
<th>Spanish TV Channel</th>
<th>Spanish TV Audience</th>
<th>Total Audience</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Trinidad &amp; Tobago</td>
<td>FS1</td>
<td>258,000</td>
<td>–</td>
<td>–</td>
<td>258,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamaica</td>
<td>ESPN2</td>
<td>267,000</td>
<td>–</td>
<td>–</td>
<td>267,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northern Ireland</td>
<td>FOX</td>
<td>835,000</td>
<td>TUDN</td>
<td>123,000</td>
<td>958,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Switzerland</td>
<td>ESPN2</td>
<td>476,000</td>
<td>–</td>
<td>–</td>
<td>476,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Costa Rica</td>
<td>ESPN2</td>
<td>355,000</td>
<td>TUDN</td>
<td>120,000</td>
<td>475,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina</td>
<td>FS1</td>
<td>216,000</td>
<td>TUDN</td>
<td>106,000</td>
<td>322,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5>Nations League</h5>
<p>The English-language rights to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/concacaf-nations-league-schedule/">CONCACAF Nations League</a> belonged to CBS. With games airing on CBS Sports, Nielsen does not report these numbers. Therefore, only the Spanish-language audience is available.</p>
<table class="tableizer-table">
<thead>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow">
<th>Opponent</th>
<th>English TV Channel</th>
<th>English TV Audience</th>
<th>Spanish TV Channel</th>
<th>Spanish TV Audience</th>
<th>Total Audience</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Honduras</td>
<td>CBS Sports</td>
<td>–</td>
<td>Univision</td>
<td>1,300,000</td>
<td>1,300,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mexico</td>
<td>CBS Sports</td>
<td>–</td>
<td>Univision</td>
<td>4,200,000</td>
<td>4,200,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5>Gold Cup</h5>
<p>The Gold Cup is a biennial event that regularly sees the USMNT advance far. This year, a young USMNT roster won in a dramatic final against Mexico.</p>
<table class="tableizer-table">
<thead>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow">
<th>Opponent</th>
<th>English TV Channel</th>
<th>English TV Audience</th>
<th>Spanish TV Channel</th>
<th>Spanish TV Audience</th>
<th>Total Audience</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Haiti</td>
<td>FS1</td>
<td>719,000</td>
<td>Univision</td>
<td>1,300,000</td>
<td>2,019,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Martinique</td>
<td>FS1</td>
<td>747,000</td>
<td>TUDN</td>
<td>266,000</td>
<td>1,013,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canada</td>
<td>FOX</td>
<td>1,400,000</td>
<td>TUDN</td>
<td>327,000</td>
<td>1,727,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamaica</td>
<td>FS1</td>
<td>705,000</td>
<td>Univision</td>
<td>1,529,000</td>
<td>2,234,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qatar</td>
<td>FS1</td>
<td>863,000</td>
<td>TUDN</td>
<td>365,000</td>
<td>1,228,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mexico</td>
<td>FS1</td>
<td>1,751,000</td>
<td>Univision</td>
<td>5,700,000</td>
<td>7,450,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5>World Cup Qualifying</h5>
<p>In the same fashion as the CONCACAF Nations League, CBS holds the rights to <a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/e4QgM1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">select games in World Cup Qualifying</a>. With the development of streaming, these games aired exclusively on Paramount+. In fact, these are all the road games for the USMNT.</p>
<p>ESPN and FOX split the coverage of the home games, with viewership numbers below.</p>
<table class="tableizer-table">
<thead>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow">
<th>Opponent</th>
<th>English TV Channel</th>
<th>English TV Audience</th>
<th>Spanish TV Channel</th>
<th>Spanish TV Audience</th>
<th>Total Audience</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>@ El Salvador</td>
<td>Paramount+</td>
<td>–</td>
<td>Universo</td>
<td>246,000</td>
<td>246,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canada</td>
<td>FS1</td>
<td>776,000</td>
<td>UniMas</td>
<td>834,000</td>
<td>1,610,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>@ Honduras</td>
<td>Paramount+</td>
<td>–</td>
<td>Universo</td>
<td>270,000</td>
<td>270,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamaica</td>
<td>ESPN2</td>
<td>596,000</td>
<td>TUDN</td>
<td>192,000</td>
<td>788,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>@ Panama</td>
<td>Paramount+</td>
<td>–</td>
<td>Universo</td>
<td>195,000</td>
<td>195,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Costa Rica</td>
<td>ESPN2</td>
<td>651,000</td>
<td>TUDN</td>
<td>249,000</td>
<td>900,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mexico</td>
<td>ESPN2</td>
<td>1,315,000</td>
<td>Univision</td>
<td>2,645,000</td>
<td>3,960,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>@ Jamaica</td>
<td>Paramount+</td>
<td>–</td>
<td>Universo</td>
<td>200,000</td>
<td>200,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Breaking down the numbers</h3>
<p>Many of these comparisons go against the previous year to see development. Based on the state of the world in 2020, that may not be fair. Therefore, comparisons to 2019 may seem more applicable to gauge the sport, and the USMNT’s, improvement of fallbacks.</p>
<p>In 2021, the USMNT averaged 745,625 viewers per game on English-language TV. This number represents an increase of 294% compared to 2020. However, that year, the USMNT played just three games, pulling in 189,333 viewers per game. More accurately, it marks a 1% increase of the ratings for 2019. That year, the US played 18 games on English TV. Additionally, this is the highest average since 2017, also the year before a World Cup. In 2017, the USMNT TV ratings averaged 819,842 throughout its 19 games.</p>
<p>For Spanish-language TV, an average of 1,061,421 viewers tuned in to the USMNT games this year. This is an astounding increase of 378% over a two-game average of 222,000 in 2020. But, again, the better comparison would be to 2019. This past year’s average Spanish viewership was an increase of 8% over an 18-game average of 981,556 back in 2019. And, just like the English viewing figures, 2021 was the best year for the USMNT on Spanish TV since 2017. An average of 1,138,579 watched the 19 games in that year.</p>
<p>At the end of the year, the total combined audience came out to 32,096,000. Over the 22 games, the average English- and Spanish-language audience came out to 1,528,381. On one hand, this is a stark 504% increase in average viewership compared to 2020. However, it is a surprising dip of 18% when compared to the average of 1,858,556 in 2019.</p>
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe loading="lazy" width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1020065017&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/the-state-of-the-usmnt" title="The State of the USMNT" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">The State of the USMNT</a></div>


With crowds rising, how did the USMNT TV ratings in 2021 compare to 2020 and 2019, as well as the last World Cup Qualifying cycle?

USMNT TV ratings in 2021 steady compared to 2019 - World Soccer Talk

USMNT TV ratings in 2021 steady compared to 2019

<div id="attachment_364904" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-364904" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</p></div>
<p>After a COVID-19 hiatus, the biggest soccer crowds in the U.S. in 2021 returned to some normalcy.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, attendance is the principal metric to gauge the popularity of the sport in the country. However, we look beyond national teams to see how well the sport fits in. After all, the diversity and sheer size of the country warrants different crowds for different competitions. For instance, club competitions often happen in lavish and large NFL stadiums, so you will see that trend below.</p>
<p>In 2020, we lost the opportunity to view sporting events at full capacity. That is, of course, with the exception of a handful of games at the beginning of the year. Games in February or March went on before the world essentially shut down. In February, Nissan Stadium hosted <a href="https://www.nashvillesc.com/news/nashville-sc-breaks-tennessee-soccer-attendance-record-59069-hand-mls-debut" target="_blank" rel="noopener">59,069 people</a> in Nashville SC’s home debut against Atlanta United. March had two games exceed 40,000 spectators. The Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire played in front of 40,126 at CenturyLink Field, now Lumen Field. Then, an immense 69,301 fans packed into Mercedes-Benz Stadium to watch Atlanta United take on FC Cincinnati.</p>
<p>That year is unforgettable, largely for unfortunate and, frankly, frustrating reasons. This past year provided a little more freedom in regards to stadium capacity. Therefore, competitions for club and country could welcome more fans more frequently.</p>
<h3>Biggest soccer crowds in the US in 2021</h3>
<p>Below is how well the soccer market in the U.S. turned around in 2021. These are all the games that exceeded 40,000 fans in both club and international competitions.</p>
<p>Certain trends exist on surface level, particularly involving a certain MLS team.</p>
<h5>50,000 and up</h5>
<style type="text/css">
	table.tableizer-table {<br />		font-size: 12px;<br />		border: 1px solid #CCC;<br />		font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;<br />	}<br />	.tableizer-table td {<br />		padding: 4px;<br />		margin: 3px;<br />		border: 1px solid #CCC;<br />	}<br />	.tableizer-table th {<br />		background-color: #104E8B;<br />		color: #FFF;<br />		font-weight: bold;<br />	}<br /></style>
<table class="tableizer-table">
<thead>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow">
<th>Date</th>
<th>Competition</th>
<th>Matchup</th>
<th>Stadium</th>
<th>City</th>
<th>Attendance</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jul. 29</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>Mexico vs. Canada</td>
<td>NRG Stadium</td>
<td>Houston, TX</td>
<td>70,304</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 12</td>
<td>Friendly</td>
<td>Mexico vs. Honduras</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>70,072</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 24</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>67,507</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>August 15</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. LAFC</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>67,503</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 24</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>Mexico vs. Honduras</td>
<td>State Farm Stadium</td>
<td>Phoenix, AZ</td>
<td>64,211</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 24</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>El Salvador vs. Qatar</td>
<td>State Farm Stadium</td>
<td>Phoenix, AZ</td>
<td>64,211</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>August 1</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>USA vs. Mexico</td>
<td>Allegiant Stadium</td>
<td>Las Vegas, NV</td>
<td>61,514</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 18</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>Mexico vs. El Salvador</td>
<td>Cotton Bowl</td>
<td>Dallas, TX</td>
<td>56,742</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 3</td>
<td>Friendly</td>
<td>Mexico vs. Nigeria</td>
<td>Los Angeles Coliseum</td>
<td>Los Angeles, CA</td>
<td>53,258</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5>40,000-50,000 fans</h5>
<style type="text/css">
	table.tableizer-table {<br />		font-size: 12px;<br />		border: 1px solid #CCC;<br />		font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;<br />	}<br />	.tableizer-table td {<br />		padding: 4px;<br />		margin: 3px;<br />		border: 1px solid #CCC;<br />	}<br />	.tableizer-table th {<br />		background-color: #104E8B;<br />		color: #FFF;<br />		font-weight: bold;<br />	}<br /></style>
<table class="tableizer-table">
<thead>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow">
<th>Date</th>
<th>Competition</th>
<th>Matchup</th>
<th>Stadium</th>
<th>City</th>
<th>Attendance</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>July 18</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>Mexico vs. El Salvador</td>
<td>Cotton Bowl</td>
<td>Dallas, TX</td>
<td>45,792</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>August 29</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers</td>
<td>Lumen Field</td>
<td>Seattle, WA</td>
<td>45,737</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May 29</td>
<td>Friendly</td>
<td>Mexico vs. Iceland</td>
<td>AT&amp;T Stadium</td>
<td>Dallas, TX</td>
<td>44,892</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>October 30</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. Toronto FC</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>43,372</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>September 5</td>
<td>World Cup Qualifying</td>
<td>USA vs. Canada</td>
<td>Nissan Stadium</td>
<td>Nashville, TN</td>
<td>43,028</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>September 18</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. DC United</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>42,608</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 27</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. New York Red Bulls</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>42,575</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>October 27</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>42,536</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 20</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. Philadelphia Union</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>42,523</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>September 29</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>42,519</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 17</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. New England Revolution</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>42,517</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>October 20</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. New York City FC</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>42,511</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>September 10</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. Orlando City</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>42,507</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>August 28</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. Nashville SC</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>42,506</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>August 18</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. Toronto FC</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>42,502</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>September 16</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>42,501</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 25</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>USA vs. Jamaica</td>
<td>AT&amp;T Stadium</td>
<td>Dallas, TX</td>
<td>41,318</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 25</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>Costa Rica vs. Canada</td>
<td>AT&amp;T Stadium</td>
<td>Dallas, TX</td>
<td>41,318</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 10</td>
<td>Gold Cup</td>
<td>Trinidad and Tobago</td>
<td>AT&amp;T Stadium</td>
<td>Dallas, TX</td>
<td>41,229</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May 29</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. Nashville SC</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>40,748</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May 15</td>
<td>MLS</td>
<td>Atlanta United vs. CF Montreal</td>
<td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA</td>
<td>40,116</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5>Breaking it Down</h5>
<p>Immediately, one of the more recognizable trends is the frequency in which <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/29/mexicos-attendance-in-2021-sees-strong-crowds-in-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mexico</a> appears on this list. The fact that the U.S. hosts the Gold Cup every two years surely helps that trend. Yet, it also speaks volumes for the popularity of the neighbors to the south in the United States. That being said, it is nice to see the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/23/usmnt-annual-attendance-show-8-increase-since-2019/#comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USMNT</a> crack the biggest crowds in the U.S. in 2021.</p>
<p>We expect the Americans to make the list against Mexico. But, the World Cup qualifier against Canada is the first time the USMNT attracted more than 40,000 since 2017. That game was the Gold Cup opener against Panama. Interestingly, that game also came in Nashville.</p>
<p>On the down-side, COVID travel restrictions did cause fans to miss out on some opportunities. The usual International Champions Cup frequently welcomes the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid or Barcelona. That tournament did not take place. Thus, restrictions reduced the possibility for even more games with massive crowds.</p>
<p>However, plenty of MLS made the biggest soccer crowds in the U.S. in 2021. Once again, Atlanta United led that particular charge. In conclusion, Atlanta comfortably surpassed Seattle as the league’s biggest crowd draw.</p>


With some normalcy returning, here are all the biggest soccer crowds in the US in 2021 in both club and country competitions.

Breaking down the biggest soccer crowds in the US in 2021 - World Soccer Talk

Breaking down the biggest soccer crowds in the US in 2021

<div id="attachment_363145" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-363145" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</p></div>
<p>In 2020, the USMNT annual attendance numbers dipped drastically.</p>
<p>Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic affected the soccer calendar across the world. In fact, the United States only played two games that entire year at home. First off, a February contest against Costa Rica drew 9,172 fans to Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. Then, much later on in December, 2,500 fans watched the United States play El Salvador in a COVID-conscious stadium.</p>
<p>With stadiums and schedules of fixtures returning to a little more normalcy, fans had <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/all-matches" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more opportunities</a> to see the USMNT in action.</p>
<p>To be fair, the first three games of the year all had limited capacities in the stadium. That included the CONCACAF Nations League Final against Mexico in Denver. Here is the USMNT annual attendance for its 15 home games in the calendar year.</p>
<h3>USMNT Annual Attendance: 2021</h3>
<table class="tableizer-table">
<thead>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow">
<th>Date</th>
<th>Competition</th>
<th>Opponent</th>
<th>Stadium</th>
<th>City</th>
<th>Attendance</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 1</td>
<td>Friendly</td>
<td>Trinidad &amp; Tobago</td>
<td>Exploria Stadium</td>
<td>Orlando, FL</td>
<td>3,503</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 3</td>
<td>Nations League – Semifinal</td>
<td>Honduras</td>
<td>Empower Field at Mile High</td>
<td>Denver, CO</td>
<td>34,451</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 6</td>
<td>Nations League – Final</td>
<td>Mexico</td>
<td>Empower Field at Mile High</td>
<td>Denver, CO</td>
<td>37,648</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June 9</td>
<td>Friendly</td>
<td>Costa Rica</td>
<td>Rio Tinto Stadium</td>
<td>Salt Lake City, UT</td>
<td>19,007</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 11</td>
<td>Gold Cup – Group Stage</td>
<td>Haiti</td>
<td>Children’s Mercy Park</td>
<td>Kansas City, KS</td>
<td>12,664</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 15</td>
<td>Gold Cup – Group Stage</td>
<td>Martinique</td>
<td>Children’s Mercy Park</td>
<td>Kansas City, KS</td>
<td>7,511</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 18</td>
<td>Gold Cup – Group Stage</td>
<td>Canada</td>
<td>Children’s Mercy Park</td>
<td>Kansas City, KS</td>
<td>18,467</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 25</td>
<td>Gold Cup – Quarterfinal</td>
<td>Jamaica</td>
<td>AT&amp;T Stadium</td>
<td>Dallas, TX</td>
<td>41,318</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July 29</td>
<td>Gold Cup – Semifinal</td>
<td>Qatar</td>
<td>Q2 Stadium</td>
<td>Austin, TX</td>
<td>20,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>August 1</td>
<td><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/08/02/usa-stun-mexico-in-extra-time-to-win-gold-cup-final/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gold Cup – Final</a></td>
<td>Mexico</td>
<td>Allegiant Stadium</td>
<td>Las Vegas, NV</td>
<td>61,514</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>September 5</td>
<td>World Cup Qualifying</td>
<td>Canada</td>
<td>Nissan Stadium</td>
<td>Nashville, TN</td>
<td>43,028</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>October 7</td>
<td>World Cup Qualifying</td>
<td>Jamaica</td>
<td>Q2 Stadium</td>
<td>Austin, TX</td>
<td>20,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>October 13</td>
<td>World Cup Qualifying</td>
<td>Costa Rica</td>
<td>Lower.com Field</td>
<td>Columbus, OH</td>
<td>20,165</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>November 12</td>
<td>World Cup Qualifying</td>
<td>Mexico</td>
<td>TQL Stadium</td>
<td>Cincinnati, OH</td>
<td>26,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>December 18</td>
<td>Friendly</td>
<td>Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina</td>
<td>Dignity Health Sports Park</td>
<td>Carson, CA</td>
<td>11,044</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>TOTAL: 377,320</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>AVERAGE: 25,155</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5>What does it mean?</h5>
<p class="ydpc057e74bMsoNormal">There are several things worth noting here.<span>&nbsp; First off,</span> it’s a safe bet to assume that at least one of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/06/03/siebatcheu-fires-us-into-concacaf-nations-league-final/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nations League games</a> would have been a sellout but for COVID-19 restrictions.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="ydpc057e74bMsoNormal">Another thing to note is that none of the games at the Gold Cup were played with restrictions. CONCACAF selected the group stage host sites to minimize travel while allowing full capacity.<span>&nbsp;</span>That explains why all three USMNT group stage games occurred at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>The downside of that is playing three games in the same stadium in the space of a week usually means poor attendance for at least one of those games. Interestingly, the USWNT frequently faces this issue during Olympic or World Cup Qualifying tournaments on home soil.</p>
<p class="ydpc057e74bMsoNormal">All of that being said, 2021’s average attendance of 25,155 was up 8% from an average of 23,306 in 2019. Basically, it is unfair to compare 2021 to 2020. Therefore, 2019 serves as the better litmus test as that was the last year with a full home slate of fixtures. Additionally, 2021’s USMNT annual attendance marked the highest average since 2017. That year, the squad pulled an average of 29,400 per game.</p>
<p class="ydpc057e74bMsoNormal">While that is certainly good news, it does unfortunately extend an unfortunate streak. For the past six years now, the USMNT failed to average audiences above 30,000 for the year. In fact, the last time the national team averaged more than 30,000 fans per game was in 2015. Then, the squad brought in an impressive 38,764 fans per game.<span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="ydpc057e74bMsoNormal">But with the team winning a good number of games again, and with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">World Cup</a> kicking off next year, there is belief that the 30,000 seat mark can be attained.</p>


With the 2021 slate wrapped up, the USMNT annual attendance numbers show improvement, but a major attendance goal is still up in the air.

USMNT annual attendance show 8% increase since 2019 - World Soccer Talk

USMNT annual attendance show 8% increase since 2019

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>FOX is on the verge of acquiring the European Championship rights in the United States for the 2024 and 2028 competitions, <a href="https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/en/SB-Blogs/Newsletter-Media/2021/10/18" rel="noopener" target="_blank">according to Sports Business Journal</a>. Currently, ESPN broadcasts the quadrennial event. In fact, ESPN broadcasted each Euros since 2008. Therefore, for ESPN, the rights package is something of a commodity.</p>
<p>Moreover, the acquisition of the European Championship rights would allow FOX to also air the qualifiers&nbsp;<em>and&nbsp;</em>the UEFA Nations League. The Nations League is actually a different competition altogether, but they do feature in the same media package.</p>
<p>As stated previously, ESPN currently holds the rights to all the competitions FOX will receive. The Euros are a mainstay on the main ESPN channel. ESPN often sent a reporters or an entire studio crew to European nations to cover the event.</p>
<p>Designated <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/06/24/espn-commentators-for-euro-2020-round-of-16-matches/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">commentary crews</a>, pregame and postgame discussions for each game and other forms of commentary showed the tournament’s importance to the channel.</p>
<p>Now, coverage seems to be heading to FOX.</p>
<h3>European Championship rights joins other coverage on FOX</h3>
<p>As of now, much of the <a href="https://soccertvblog.com/usa-tv-links/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">soccer content on FOX</a> is domestic to the United States. A number of MLS games, USMNT and USWNT games and CONCACAF competitions air on FOX.</p>
<p>However, the prized possession for FOX is the World Cup. In 2011, FOX bought the rights to the world’s biggest tournament for <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrissmith/2014/06/09/american-world-cup-rights-fees-soar-along-with-viewership/?sh=5e10489c2d01" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$425 million</a>, a steep increase from what ESPN dished out for the prior tournaments.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, as of press time, there is no information available regarding the price FOX will be paying for the European Championship rights. But, we know ESPN paid roughly $115 million for just Euro 2020. Therefore, it is no surprise that UEFA sought in excess of $300 million to broadcast the 2024 and 2028 tournaments.</p>
<p>So, let’s break down what FOX’s soccer repertoire includes. With the anticipated inclusion of the European Championship rights, it seems FOX holds the power to most of the major tournaments over the next eight years.</p>
<p>FOX will broadcast the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the 2025 Gold Cup, and the 2024 Copa America. Evidently, much of the international landscape runs through FOX in the United States.</p>
<p>There were a number of other entities in the running to acquire the rights to the Euros. For one, ESPN surely desired to hold on to the rights. CBS and Paramount+ have a growing footprint in the soccer broadcasting world. Finally, NBC and Peacock surely had their hat in the ring at some point.</p>
<p>Regardless, the deal is a huge win for FOX. Now, at least in the United States, the channel is the must-have location to watch international soccer competitions.</p>
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1075314169&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%" height="300" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc; line-break: anywhere; word-break: normal; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-weight: 100;"><a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="ESPN discusses its Euro 2020 TV coverage" href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/espn-discusses-its-euro-2020-tv-coverage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN discusses its Euro 2020 TV coverage</a></div>
<h3>Other rights and streaming</h3>
<p>Like ESPN, CBS and NBC, FOX has a direct-to-consumer streaming service via <a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/channels/tubi-2">Tubi</a>. <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ESPN+</a>, <a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/330866/1007330/3065" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Paramount+</a> and <a href="https://imp.i305175.net/DV3NWa" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Peacock</a> now hold rights themselves. </p>
<p>With FOX aiming to grow Tubi into a more robust streaming service that offers sports, this explains FOX’s foray into the international game. With the Premier League and MLS being the only major leagues with rights up for grabs, FOX is among the broadcasters bidding for those American media rights too.</p>


FOX is expanding their international soccer footprint by acquiring the European Championship rights for 2024 and 2028 in the United States.

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