According to figures released this week, by RTE, Ireland's heartbreaking defeat to Canada has become the most-watched women's team sports event in Irish television history. The match, broadcasted on RTÉ2, garnered an average viewership of 551,000.
RTE's coverage of the Women's World Cup shattered audience records. The average share of viewership, excluding Ireland's matches, reached an impressive 20.7 percent. This marked a significant increase from the 8.9 percent recorded four years ago during the 2019 World Cup.
Moreover, the average number of streams per match on RTÉ Player, excluding Ireland's matches, more than doubled compared to the figures seen in 2019.
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe pictured after her side's defeat in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match between Republic of Ireland and Canada. The Ireland vs. Australia opening game, which set a World Cup group stage attendance record with over 75,000 spectators in Sydney, emerged as the most prominent live event of the year on RTÉ Player. It received 368,000 live streams. Only last year's men's final between Argentina and France surpassed this number, amassing 490,000 streams since the inception of the Player service.
The World Cup final held on Sunday drew an average of 333,000 viewers on RTÉ2. In this thrilling final, Spain defeated England to secure their first championship title. An additional 69,400 viewers chose to stream the game.
Looking ahead, RTE plans to deliver live coverage of the historic Nations League clash between Ireland and Northern Ireland in September. This momentous event will take place at the Aviva Stadium.
