Women’s World Cup Semifinal Scores Huge U.K. Ratings

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) – England’s dramatic match against the USA in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinals saw the Lionesses lose the game, but U.K. broadcaster the BBC win massive ratings.

Soccer Football – Women’s World Cup – Semi Final – England v United States – Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France – July 2, 2019 Alex Morgan of the U.S. celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Soccer Football – Women’s World Cup – Semi Final – England v United States – Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France – July 2, 2019 Alex Morgan of the U.S. celebrates scoring their second goal with Lindsey Horan and team mates REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

Soccer Football – Women’s World Cup – Semi Final – England v United States – Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France – July 2, 2019 Alyssa Naeher of the U.S. celebrates with Becky Sauerbrunn and team mates at the end of the match REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

The tournament has captured viewers’ imagination in the U.K. The semifinal in Lyon, France, garnered 11.7 million viewers. That was a 50.8% share and ranked as the highest peak audience of 2019 in the U.K. The ratings eclipse those for the likes of juggernaut dramas “Bodyguard” and “Line of Duty.”

British broadcasters expect big numbers for men’s soccer, but the recent ratings for games played by the England women’s team are unprecedented. A disallowed England goal, missed penalty, and sending off saw the team bow out 2 – 1 to the USA. Christen Press and Alex Morgan scored for the defending champions and tournament favorites.

Soccer Football – Women’s World Cup – Semi Final – England v United States – Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France – July 2, 2019 England’s Lucy Bronze looks dejected after the match REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Soccer Football – Women’s World Cup – Semi Final – England v United States – Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France – July 2, 2019 England’s Ellen White is consoled by Leah Williamson as she looks dejected at the end of the match REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

Soccer Football – Women’s World Cup – Semi Final – England v United States – Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France – July 2, 2019 England’s Millie Bright is shown a red card by referee Edina Alves Batista REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

Soccer Football – Women’s World Cup – Semi Final – England v United States – Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France – July 2, 2019 England’s Millie Bright fouls Alex Morgan of the U.S. and is shown a red card by referee Edina Alves Batista REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

Soccer Football – Women’s World Cup – Semi Final – England v United States – Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France – July 2, 2019 Alyssa Naeher of the U.S. saves a penalty as England’s Steph Houghton looks dejected REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

The English team’s quarterfinal victory over Norway had set a women’s football viewing record in the U.K. just days earlier, with 7.6 million tuning in. The opening game against Scotland was seen by 6.1 million viewers. The overall numbers are higher than the ratings suggest, as many Brits watched matches in pubs and bars.

Soccer Football – Women’s World Cup – Semi Final – England v United States – Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France – July 2, 2019 Becky Sauerbrunn, Ali Krieger of the U.S. and team mates celebrate at the end of the match REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Soccer Football – Women’s World Cup – Semi Final – England v United States – Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France – July 2, 2019 Alex Morgan of the U.S. celebrates scoring their second goal with Rose Lavelle REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

The Lionesses will play one more game in this World Cup, a third place play off, on Saturday, against the team that loses the Sweden versus Netherlands semifinal. The USA team take on the winners of that match in the final, Sunday.