The Women’s World Cup is big news all around the world
Updated: Jan 1, 2020
The tournament is breaking viewership numbers across Europe and in the United States. But how is it being seen elsewhere?
The Women’s World Cup is doing great numbers around the world, with a record-breaking number of viewers in several countries. Over 10 million tuned in from France (along with the sold-out crowd) to see their team open the tournament in style, more than doubling the previous record for a women’s soccer match. The England-Scotland game was the most-watched women’s soccer game in UK history, with 6.1 million. Italy also broke their record with 3.5 million viewers who saw their team triumph over Australia. Numbers are up in the US compared to similar matches from 2015 (though of course we’re still a long way from the 26.7 million who watched the final). Spain didn’t set their record (recently set by the Copa de la Reina final last month) but their 859,000 still handily beat the numbers for their men’s team who competed in Euro qualifying against France. Down in Australia, 570,000 saw the game, more than watched the Cricket World Cup match on the same day.
Clearly, something is in the air. But these numbers are all from the big, established countries, who are now apparently taking a step forward in the media landscape. I was curious how this event was being watched in some other parts of the world, where the game has less support. So I put out a call for people to share their experiences. Here are some of the most interesting responses I got:
From Argentina:
“I can report from Argentina that the WWC is getting almost no coverage. I’m obviously not watching every station all the time but I’ve seen two semifinal games in the tournament for promotion from the third league to the second, a replay of every goal scored for or against Liverpool in CL play, two different 30 minute shows on possible moves for Boca after losing in the super liga final, endless gnashing of teeth over the U20 loss to Mali along with the usual slate of major games, highlights and transfer discussions. I’ve seen one report on the Argentina ladies. They beat Long Beach State 2-1 in a friendly.
France vs. South Korea was not broadcast.
That’s the report from soccer mad Argentina. They do not care about the WWC.”
The same correspondent did note the next day that they saw “A nice 8-9 minute piece on the Argentine women’s team and then good highlights and discussion of the games today.”
More from Argentina:
In Argentina, only the matches our wnt is playing are on a public broadcast. The rest can be found on a paid one. I haven’t seen ads, but there are mentions in the news, newspapers and official social media — Juli (@JulTalksFutbol) June 8, 2019
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From Spain:
It’s exciting and a bit overwhelming the level of coverage this #FIFAWWC is getting in Spain. 🇪🇸 It’s everywhere. I can’t even recall the number of times I’ve seen a story, feature or interview on TV, print, radio… And that’s not even counting online! It’s hard to keep up! — Bea Redondo (@Iniyi) June 7, 2019
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From Denmark:
In Denmark all games are on public TV, so it’s available for everyone. There’s been tv spots to advertise that it is being shown, but obviously only if you’ve watched the channels. — Katja (@applessquabble) June 8, 2019
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From Germany:
In Germany, many matches are shown live on public TV and all can be streamed live for free. There’s some public attention (esp. after @DFB_Frauen‘s brilliant ad) but I’d say it’s still muted among the general public. Roughly on par with the men’s qualifiers (if not less). — #FIFAWWC 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@SeanyWang) June 8, 2019
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From Dubai:
In Dubai. All the games are LIVE on Bein Sports. On the main channel. Pulling for the #uswnt to repeat! — Ali Khan (@Mohammedz18) June 8, 2019
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From Nepal:
There are no ads on TV (that I have seen) or in/around Kathmandu or other parts of Nepal – no surprise. And no one is talking about the World Cup, other than my small inner circle of football loving friends here. — Sarah (@SarahKVV) June 8, 2019
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From Switzerland:
In Switzerland they only show the opening game, the semifinals and the final. I haven’t seen any ads on national television — Orlando Pride 💜 (@krieger_harris) June 8, 2019
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From Sweden:
In Sweden its almost the same set-up as last years World Cup in Russia. All games are broadcasted just on different platforms. Almost one game a day and all SWE games are on ch4 (free-public tv) with a studio setting before, halftime and after the game. Many ads in diff medias! — Caroline Röstlund (@crstlund) June 8, 2019
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From Mexico:
I’m watching from Mexico, since Mexico’s team didn’t make it, there aren’t ads but they’re broadcasting all the games on national tv. Ads for women’ssoccer are very rare here, even with the new league 🤷🏼♀️ — Maureen (@newphonewhodis4) June 8, 2019
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From Kenya:
It is on 📺 – supersport. Only those who have paid for this channel have access. No ads on local channels. Little on the news bulletins. Wouldn’t say their is a #FIFAWWC fever in Kenya — Agnes Amondi (@ItsAgnesA9) June 8, 2019
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From Poland:
I’m from Poland. Some matches are at TV, some only in the Internet. Not so much talking in the media. — R3dD3vil 🇵🇱 ⚽️ 🇧🇷 (@R3dD3viI) June 8, 2019