Overnight ratings show that more people watched Wales play in their first World Cup game than watched England play in theirs.
The England vs. Iran game on BBC One was watched by an average of 7.4 million people in the UK, according to the ratings group Barb.
Compared to that, 9.4 million people watched Wales play the United States on ITV.
The time difference may have something to do with it. The England game was on Monday, when most people in the UK were at work, while the Wales game was in the evening, when most people were at home.
But England played in the last World Cup in 2018, while Wales played in its first World Cup match in 64 years
The Wales match was also shown on S4C. The number of people who watched the match on S4C is not included in the ITV figures.
Gareth Bale said he had “no doubts” about taking the penalty that led to Wales’s first World Cup goal since 1958.
The USA was on track to win until Bale was fouled by Walker Zimmerman in the 82nd minute. Bale then took the penalty kick and made it.
The Prince and Princess of Wales showed their support by tweeting in the Welsh language, with a picture of his Wales supporters bucket hat.
must be watched in style. Thanks for the hat, @ElinCeredigion“
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka scored twice in England’s game, and Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, and Jack Grealish scored the other four goals.
Throughout the tournament, the total number of viewers watching any particular match will be higher when further data is added – such as people who watched at different times or on certain catch-up platforms.
