Revealed: Almost 27 MILLION tuned in to see England go out of World Cup against Croatia in most-watched broadcast since London 2012 opening ceremony
- A peak of 26.5million people tuned in to ITV last night for England versus Croatia
- Average of 24.3m viewed game on TV, while a further 4.3m tuned in via ITV Hub
- Figures make match Britain’s most watched event since London Olympics 2012
- Stats don’t include those who watched in pubs and on big screens across the UK
England’s heart-breaking loss in the World Cup semi-final was the most watched TV event since the 2012 Olympics, viewing figures reveal.
A peak of 26.5million people tuned in to ITV last night for England’s monumental game against Croatia, which saw the national team crash out after extra time.
An average of 24.3million viewed the match on television, while a further 4.3million tuned in via ITV Hub through mobile phones, tablets and laptops.
The figures made the game the most-watched broadcast in Britain since the opening ceremony of the London Olympics in 2012, which was viewed by 27.3million.
England fans could not believe their eyes as a goal from Croatia took the game into extra time in the second of the semi finals
England fans burst into tears after the game tonight, with one face-painted man quick to comfort his companion watching at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol
This England fan’s tear-stained face sums up the pain of yet another World Cup defeat for the team last night
The figures made the game the most-watched broadcast in Britain since the opening ceremony of the London Olympics in 2012 (pictured), which was viewed by 27.3million
What are British TV’s biggest ever moments?
1. World Cup Final (1966)
2. Diana’s funeral (1997)
3. Royal family documentary (1969)
4. Apollo 13 descent (1970)
5. FA Cup final replay (1970)
6. Charles and Diana’s wedding (1981)
7. Princess Anne’s wedding (1973)
8. London 2012 closing ceremony
9. England v Croatia (2018)
10. London 2012 opening ceremony
32.30million (average viewers)
32.10million
30.69million
28.60million
28.49million
28.40million
27.60million
24.46million
24.30million
24.24million
England’s triumph in the World Cup final in 1966 is the most watched television event in British history
Incredibly, the statistics for last night’s game do not include the hundreds of thousands who watched the match in pubs and on big screens at venues all over England.
More than 30,000 people packed out Hyde Park in London during the match, while city squares up and down the country hosted similar events.
The peak viewership of the game was recorded at 26.5million, for five minutes at the end of extra time, from 9.30pm to 9.35pm.
The overall match average for the semi-final was 24.2million, which made it better watched than both the opening and closing ceremonies at London 2012.
Earlier in the tournament, 23million people tuned in to watch England play Colombia in the round of 16 – more than the number who watched the Royal Wedding.
At its peak, 12.2million were watching the match on ITV, with another 10.2million watching on HD and others online.
The peak 23.8million audience was 5million more than the 18million peak for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in May.
Disappointment for England as Gareth Southgate’s team failed to secure the win the fans had desperately hoped for at home. Pictured: Flat Iron Square in London
Fans’ anguish: Men sat in silence along the roadside in Nottingham just hours after jubilant scenes in the English city
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