Matildas TV ratings: Records tumble again despite Australia losing to England

The Matildas have toppled Cathy Freeman’s iconic gold medal run with record-breaking TV audience for last night’s semi-final. Check out the incredible figures.

Sam Kerr celebrates with teammates after scoring against England at Stadium Australia. Picture: Getty Images

The audience for the Matildas v England World Cup semi-final peaked at a staggering 11.15 million, smashing all previous TV viewing records.

More than seven million Australians watched the Matildas fall 3-1 to England, more than double a State of Origin game or the NRL and AFL grand finals.

The final number was 7.13 million on free-to-air and streaming service 7plus, the highest ratings sporting event since Cathy Freeman in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics.

It peaked at over 11 million during the second-half. Throw in the fans watching on Optus and the final figure will surpass Cathy Freeman’s gold medal in the 400-metre final.

Seven’s head of sport Lewis Martin, said: “Australia was captivated last night as the Matildas played their hearts out and did us all proud.

Sam Kerr celebrates her goal against England with her Matildas teammates. Picture: Getty Images

“Although their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 journey ended last night, the Matildas have re-written the history books and captured the hearts and minds of the nation with a performance that is sure to inspire generations of Australians for many years to come.

“Seven is beyond proud to have played a part in bringing Australia together around our screens, as the Matildas’ performance captured the Australian spirit like nothing we have seen in decades.”

It continues an incredible run for Australia’s new favourite team.

Before last night, Saturday’s quarter-final win over France was the most-watched sports event in Australia in a decade and the country’s biggest streaming event ever. The telecast reached more than 6.2 million people on Seven and 7plus, with an estimated average audience during the game of 4.17 million.

Australia players huddle after the team's 3-1 defeat to England. Picture: Getty

The France clash trounced audiences for the Matildas’ win over Denmark last week which drew 3.563 million viewers nationally and even defeated Ash Barty’s momentous Australian Open victory in 2022 which was watched by 4.096 million viewers.

Veteran media analyst Steve Allen said the resounding success of the Matildas and huge interest in the tournament proved that “Seven have landed the deal of the century”.

“It’s absolutely unrepeatable,” he said.

Seven West Media’s chief revenue officer Kurt Burnette helped strike the deal with Optus to broadcast 15 FIFA World Cup matches on free-to-air after lengthy negotiations with the telco’s chief executive Kelly Bayer Rosamarin, alongside Jon Marquard, who heads up media and digital consultancy Janez Media.

Originally published as Matildas TV ratings: Records tumble again despite Australia losing to England