Another huge U.S. soccer match, another ESPN online streaming record.
There were more than 1.7 million concurrent viewers using WatchESPN during today’s U.S. vs. Germany World Cup match, breaking a previous record that was set during the last U.S. match against Portugal.
The huge amount of viewers caused several connection issues for soccer fans:
WatchESPN app has crashed for me twice. Univision Deportes app is also streaming live if you need another feed.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 26, 2014
WatchESPN seems to be buckling…
— Jay Yarow ?? (@jyarow) June 26, 2014
@Espn feed for match is frozen. So frustrating.
— Ann Tifa (@TifaAnn) June 26, 2014
ESPN PR representative Katina Arnold tweeted that there were minor issues with the feed at the beginning of the match:
Record WatchESPN 1.7m peak concurrent viewers. Minor issues at start of match. Internet never tested like this for sporting event.
— Katina Arnold (@KatinaESPN) June 26, 2014
ESPN is streaming all 64 matches at WatchESPN.com and via the WatchESPN mobile apps (Android, iOS, Windows 8, Kindle Fire, Fire TV,Chromecast, Roku, Xbox One, Xbox 360). You’ll need a cable subscription that includes ESPN from one of these providers to access the ESPN feeds.
The WatchESPN records signify a pattern of more and more people opting to stream live sporting events. The Super Bowl this year was most-watched live stream of a single sports event in history with an average of 528,000 viewers accessing FOX’s free stream of the game with 1.1 million concurrent viewers at one point.
For those wondering: The U.S. lost to Germany 1-0 today, but still advanced to the knockout round thanks to its performance in the two previous matches. They’ll likely face Belgium on Tuesday at 1 p.m. PT, depending on what happens during today’s other matches.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 11:25 a.m. to reflect the 1.7 million statistic.
Related: How to watch the World Cup for free online, without a cable subscription
