England’s World Cup win over DR Congo delivers biggest audience of the year for BBC as viewing figures revealed

England‘s comeback win over DR Congo delivered the biggest audience of the year for the BBC as more 16.3m viewers tuned in for the World Cup 2026 clash.

Thomas Tuchel‘s side came from behind to progress into a clash with Mexico thanks to a double from captain Harry Kane having fallen behind early in Atlanta.

A tea-time slot produced an average of 14m viewers across the match, as well as 10.4m streams on the BBC iPlayer.

ITV had attracted a peak of 15.4m viewers for England‘s opening game of the tournament against Croatia, a figure surpassed by the knockout encounter.

“These are extraordinary audience figures that show the BBC is the place the nation comes together for the biggest sporting moments,” said Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s director of sport. “England’s dramatic victory captured millions across TV, iPlayer, BBC Sport digital platforms and social media, with audiences consuming the tournament in record numbers.”

The BBC will also have coverage of England’s next game against Mexico – although a kick-off time in the early hours of Monday morning will likely lead to a smaller audience. The BBC will also have first pick of the two semi-finals.

The two broadcasters are sharing the showing of the tournament, and will both broadcast the final on Sunday 19 July.

England’s World Cup quarter-final with France was the biggest television event of 2022.