The thrill of the world’s most watched football matches from iconic tournaments to historic showdowns which attracted millions of eyes. Football, the most popular sport globally, involves two teams of 11 players each aiming to score goals by advancing the ball using any body part except their hands. Only the goalkeeper can handle the ball within the penalty area. Games take place on a rectangular field with goals at each end, measuring between 50 and 100 yards in length and width.
The ball is made of leather or synthetic material and is about 27-28 inches in diameter. Matches consist of two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute break. The referee enforces the rules and can issue penalties, free kicks, or cards for violations. Due to the most watched football matches in the world, it definitely means that football matches attracts millions of viewers worldwide, generating substantial revenue for leagues, clubs, and governing bodies. Certain games receive significant television attention, inspiring passion among fans and contributing to the sport’s popularity and financial success.
Here is a list of the top 20 most watched football matches in the world, along with an explanation of why they are so popular:
| Rank | Match | Viewership (millions) |
| 1 | 2018 FIFA World Cup Final: France vs Croatia | 1.12 billion |
| 2 | 2014 FIFA World Cup Final: Germany vs Argentina | 1.05 billion |
| 3 | 2010 FIFA World Cup Final: Spain vs Netherlands | 908 million |
| 4 | 2006 FIFA World Cup Final: Italy vs France | 904 million |
| 5 | 2002 FIFA World Cup Final: Brazil vs Germany | 800 million |
| 6 | UEFA Euro 2020 Final: Italy vs England | 715.1 million |
| 7 | 2018 UEFA Champions League Final: Real Madrid vs Liverpool | 640 million |
| 8 | 2017 UEFA Champions League Final: Juventus vs Real Madrid | 615.3 million |
| 9 | 2016 UEFA Champions League Final: Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid | 610.4 million |
| 10 | 2015 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Barcelona vs River Plate | 575 million |
| 11 | 2014 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Real Madrid vs San Lorenzo | 550 million |
| 12 | 2013 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Bayern Munich vs Raja Casablanca | 525 million |
| 13 | 2012 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Corinthians vs Chelsea | 500 million |
| 14 | 2011 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Barcelona vs Santos | 485 million |
| 15 | 2010 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Inter Milan vs Mazembe | 470 million |
| 16 | 2009 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Barcelona vs Estudiantes | 465 million |
| 17 | 2008 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Manchester United vs LDU Quito | 450 million |
| 18 | 2007 FIFA Club World Cup Final: AC Milan vs Boca Juniors | 445 million |
| 19 | 2006 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Barcelona vs Internacional | 435 million |
| 20 | 2005 FIFA Club World Cup Final: São Paulo vs Liverpool | 425 million |
1. 2018 FIFA World Cup Final: France vs Croatia (1.12 billion viewers)
The 2018 FIFA World Cup Final took place on July 15, 2018, in Moscow, Russia, between France and Croatia. France emerged as the winners with a 4-2 victory in extra time. It is also considered as the most watched football match in the world
Croatia initially took the lead with a goal from Ivan Perisic, but France equalized through Antoine Griezmann.
Mario Mandzukic scored to give Croatia the lead again, only for Paul Pogba to equalize for France.
In extra time, Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, securing France’s second World Cup title. The match was watched by a record-breaking 1.12 billion viewers worldwide and making it to top among most watched football matches.
2. 2014 FIFA World Cup Final: Germany vs Argentina (1.05 billion viewers)
In the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final, Germany faced Argentina in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With an estimated 1.05 billion viewers among the most watched football matches, the tightly contested match ended with a single goal.
Mario Götze’s left-footed volley in the 113th minute secured a 1-0 victory for Germany, earning them their fourth World Cup title.
Despite a strong performance by Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, they couldn’t find the back of the net. The match was a thrilling display of football that captivated fans worldwide.
3. 2010 FIFA World Cup Final: Spain vs Netherlands (908 million viewers)
In the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final, Spain faced the Netherlands at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
With an estimated 908 million viewers, Spain emerged as the winners with a 1-0 victory. Andres Iniesta scored the decisive goal in the 116th minute.
Spain’s triumph marked their first World Cup title and solidified their status as a football powerhouse.
The match was closely contested, with both teams having opportunities to score. In the end, Spain’s resilience and Iniesta’s heroics secured their historic win.
4. 2006 FIFA World Cup Final: Italy vs France (904 million viewers)
The 2006 FIFA World Cup Final took place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. Italy faced France in a highly anticipated match that ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Italy eventually emerged victorious, winning 5-3 in a penalty shootout. It was the first World Cup final decided by a shootout.
Italy took the lead through Zinedine Zidane’s penalty, but Fabio Grosso equalized for Italy in the 110th minute.
Italy converted all their penalties, while France missed two, securing Italy’s fourth World Cup title.
The match attracted an estimated 904 million viewers worldwide which easily makes it in the list of the most watched football match in the world. However, the final was marred by Zidane’s controversial headbutt on Marco Materazzi, leading to his dismissal.
Despite the incident, the match remains memorable for its thrilling gameplay and historic significance.
5. 2002 FIFA World Cup Final: Brazil vs Germany (800 million viewers)
In the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final, Brazil faced Germany at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan.
Brazil emerged as the winners with a 2-0 victory. Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 27th minute, while Rivaldo added another goal in the 69th minute from a free kick.
Brazil’s dominant performance secured their fifth World Cup title, and it was their first win since 1994.
The match attracted approximately 800 million viewers worldwide and making it to the list of most watched football matches. It marked the first time a team won the World Cup without conceding a goal.
6. UEFA Euro 2020 Final: Italy vs England (715.1 million viewers)
The UEFA Euro 2020 Final took place at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Italy and England competed in a thrilling match that ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time. It is also another most watched football match in the world.
Italy secured a 3-2 victory in the penalty shootout. Leonardo Bonucci gave Italy the lead in the 60th minute, while Harry Kane equalized for England with a penalty in the 82nd minute.
Despite the intense extra time, neither team managed to find a winning goal. Italy’s successful penalty shootout sealed their second European Championship title.
The match garnered an estimated 715.1 million viewers among the most watched football matches, ranking as the second-most-watched football match in history.
7. 2018 UEFA Champions League Final: Real Madrid vs Liverpool (640 million viewers)
The 2018 UEFA Champions League Final was held at NSC Olimpiyskyi stadium in Kiev, Ukraine.
Real Madrid faced Liverpool in an exciting match, which ended with a 3-1 victory for Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale scored for Real Madrid, while Sadio Mane found the net for Liverpool. Real Madrid’s win secured their third consecutive Champions League title.
The match attracted approximately 640 million viewers worldwide among the list of most watched football matches, ranking as the third most watched football match in history.
8. 2017 UEFA Champions League Final: Juventus vs Real Madrid (615.3 million viewers)
The 2017 UEFA Champions League Final was held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Real Madrid faced Juventus in a thrilling match, resulting in a 4-1 victory for Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo played a crucial role, scoring a hat-trick, while Mario Mandzukic found the net for Juventus.
Real Madrid’s win secured their Champions League title and the match attracted approximately 615.3 million viewers worldwide, ranking as the fourth most watched football match in history.
9. 2016 UEFA Champions League Final: Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid (610.4 million viewers)
The 2016 UEFA Champions League Final took place at the San Siro in Milan, Italy. Real Madrid faced Atlético Madrid in a closely contested match that ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.
In the penalty shootout, Real Madrid emerged victorious with a 5-3 score. Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Real Madrid, while Antoine Griezmann found the net for Atlético.
The match garnered an estimated 610.4 million viewers, making it the most-watched UEFA Champions League Final and the most-watched football match in Spanish history. It was a significant victory for Real Madrid, securing their 11th European Cup/UEFA Champions League title.
The match showcased Ronaldo’s exceptional performance, earning him the title of man of the match.
The final highlighted the competitiveness of Spanish football and the thrilling nature of the tournament.
10. 2015 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Barcelona vs River Plate (575 million viewers)
The 2015 FIFA Club World Cup Final took place at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan.
Barcelona faced River Plate in a dominant match, winning 3-0. Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suárez scored for Barcelona.
The final attracted an estimated 575 million viewers, making it the most watched football match world cup final. It was Barcelona’s third Club World Cup title and a testament to their exceptional season.
The match showcased Barcelona’s prowess as one of the world’s top teams and marked the first South American team to reach the final since 2006.
11. 2014 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Real Madrid vs San Lorenzo (550 million viewers)
The 2014 FIFA Club World Cup Final was held in Marrakech, Morocco. Real Madrid faced San Lorenzo, winning 2-0 with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
The final attracted an estimated 550 million viewers, making it the second most watched football match world cup final.
It was Real Madrid’s second Club World Cup title and marked their dominance as one of the world’s best teams.
The match showcased Real Madrid’s skill and San Lorenzo’s commendable performance. It was an exciting conclusion to a successful tournament.
12. 2013 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Bayern Munich vs Raja Casablanca (525 million viewers)
The 2013 FIFA Club World Cup Final took place in Marrakech, Morocco. Bayern Munich faced Raja Casablanca, winning 2-0 with goals from Franck Ribéry and Mario Götze.
The final attracted an estimated 525 million viewers, making it the third most watched football match world cup final.
It was Bayern Munich’s first Club World Cup title and showcased their dominance as one of the world’s best teams.
The match displayed high-quality play from both teams, with Raja Casablanca putting up a commendable performance. It was an exciting conclusion to a successful tournament.
13. 2012 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Corinthians vs Chelsea (500 million viewers)
The 2012 FIFA Club World Cup Final took place in Yokohama, Japan. Corinthians faced Chelsea, with Corinthians winning 1-0 thanks to Paolo Guerrero’s header in the 83rd minute.
It was Corinthians’ second Club World Cup title, their first since 2000. The match attracted approximately 500 million viewers globally, becoming one of the most watched football matches in history.
14. 2011 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Barcelona vs Santos (485 million viewers)
The 2011 FIFA Club World Cup Final took place in Toyota, Japan. Santos and Barcelona faced each other, with Barcelona emerging victorious with a 4-0 win.
Lionel Messi (2), David Villa, and Pedro scored the goals for Barcelona. It was Barcelona’s second Club World Cup title, their first since 2009.
The match attracted approximately 485 million viewers globally, making it one of the most watched football matches ever.
15. 2010 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Inter Milan vs Mazembe (470 million viewers)
The 2010 FIFA Club World Cup Final took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Inter Milan faced TP Mazembe, with Inter Milan securing a 3-0 victory. Goals from Goran Pandev, Samuel Eto’o, and Jonathan Biabiany led to Inter Milan’s first Club World Cup title.
The match garnered approximately 470 million viewers globally, making it one of the most watched football matches in history.
16. 2009 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Barcelona vs Estudiantes (465 million viewers)
The 2009 FIFA Club World Cup Final took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Barcelona faced Estudiantes, with Barcelona winning 2-1 in extra time.
Lionel Messi and Pedro scored for Barcelona, while Mauro Boselli scored for Estudiantes.
Barcelona secured their second Club World Cup title, and the match garnered approximately 465 million viewers worldwide, making it one of the most watched football matches in history.
17. 2008 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Manchester United vs LDU Quito (450 million viewers)
The 2008 FIFA Club World Cup Final took place in Yokohama, Japan. Manchester United faced LDU Quito, with Manchester United winning 1-0 in extra time.
Wayne Rooney scored the opening goal, and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal in the 116th minute.
Manchester United secured their first Club World Cup title, and the match drew approximately 450 million viewers worldwide, making it one of the most watched football matches in history.
18. 2007 FIFA Club World Cup Final: AC Milan vs Boca Juniors (445 million viewers)
The 2007 FIFA Club World Cup Final took place in Yokohama, Japan. AC Milan faced Boca Juniors, with AC Milan winning 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in extra time.
AC Milan had the lead twice through Kaká and Filippo Inzaghi, but Boca Juniors equalized each time.
In the penalty shootout, AC Milan scored all four of their penalties to claim the title. The match drew approximately 445 million viewers worldwide, setting a record for the most watched football match.
It was also significant as the first final featuring two teams from the same country in the FIFA Club World Cup.
19. 2006 FIFA Club World Cup Final: Barcelona vs Internacional (435 million viewers)
In the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup Final, Barcelona faced Internacional in Yokohama, Japan. Internacional took the lead through Adriano Gabiru in the 55th minute and held on to win 1-0.
It was Barcelona’s third consecutive final but Internacional’s first.
The match drew around 435 million viewers globally, setting a record for the most watched football match world cup final. Additionally, it marked the first time the final was held in Asia.
20. 2005 FIFA Club World Cup Final: São Paulo vs Liverpool (425 million viewers)
In the 2005 FIFA Club World Cup Final, São Paulo faced Liverpool in Yokohama, Japan. São Paulo took the lead through Mineiro in the 39th minute, and although Liverpool equalized with Steven Gerrard’s goal, São Paulo secured a 2-1 victory with Aloísio’s strike.
São Paulo won their third consecutive title, while Liverpool made their second appearance in the final.
The match attracted approximately 425 million viewers worldwide, ranking as the second most watched football match world cup final. It was also the inaugural final held in Asia.
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