Morning Sports Update
The two New England cities beat Seattle, Los Angeles, and other major traditional soccer markets.
Norway fans produced memorable scenes in Foxborough. Via Hussein Hammouda/Boston.com
July 23, 2026 | 11:26 AM
3 minutes to read
Boston and Providence scored highly in World Cup ratings: The final stats from the 2026 World Cup continue to be revealed, with the latest demonstrating New England’s soccer potential.
According to Fox Sports, both Boston and Providence ranked in the top 15 of domestic market area (DMA) rating and share of audience.
While Kansas City was comfortably the leader, Boston was second with a 3.91 rating and an audience share of 16. Providence ended up ninth on the list, scoring a 3.35/14 in the same stats.
The two New England cities notably beat out Seattle, Los Angeles, and several other cities seen as traditionally having more passionate soccer fan bases.
As local soccer clubs continue to try and make progress winning over New England fans, information like this is proof of what’s possible. Converting casual World Cup fans into supporters of local teams, however, has proven easier said than done over the years.
The Heart of America 🇺🇸
Kansas City, Boston and Austin lead the way as Top Local Markets for FIFA World Cup 2026™ on FOX and FS1. 🏆⚽️📺 pic.twitter.com/AjGY7oDX2s
— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) July 22, 2026
Trivia: Though its total viewership numbers were not substantiated by Nielsen Media Research, what event is still considered to be the all-time most watched television broadcast in the United States?
(Answer at the bottom.)
Hint: Not a sports event; took place in the 1960s.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox split a doubleheader with the Orioles on Wednesday. Boston won the first game, tying the team’s record for longest winning streak (with 15 straight) before dropping the second.
The Red Sox now prepare to host the Blue Jays in a three-game series starting on Friday at 7:15 p.m.
The Revolution returned to the (turf) field at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday for their first regular season game in almost two months after the World Cup pause, tying Toronto FC 0-0. New England will face Atlanta United at home on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Legacy FC will host the K.C. Current on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket.
Also on Saturday, the Patriots will hold their first open training camp practice of 2026, with gates set to open at 9:15 a.m.
More from Boston.com:
15 straight wins: It ended in the second game of the doubleheader, but not before the Red Sox tied the team’s all-time consecutive wins record.
Tough moment: Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo had a moment to forget during what was an eventual win against Chicago on Wednesday.
On this day: In 2002, the Red Sox crushed the then-Devil Rays, 22-4. The day was highlighted by Nomar Garciaparra hitting three home runs on his 29th birthday. Manny Ramirez added two of his own, with Trot Nixon and Johnny Damon also hitting home runs.
Daily highlight: The winning streak eventually came to an end on Wednesday, but not before Ceddanne Rafaela helped Boston win the first game.
Trivia answer: Apollo 11 moon landing.
Hayden Bird
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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