More than one billion tuned in for 'cultural phenomenon' Women's World Cup
More than one billion viewers tuned in to watch this summer’s Women’s World Cup, according to FIFA.
The tournament, which saw the United States defend their title as champions, attracted a record-breaking 1.12 billion as the average viewers per match more than doubled from the previous tournament.
The final, in which the Netherlands lost to the US 2-0, also attracted an average live audience of 82.18 million.
READ MORE: England sell out Wembley with up to 90,000 expected for Germany friendly
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “More than a sporting event, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 was a cultural phenomenon attracting more media attention than ever before and providing a platform for women’s football to flourish in the spotlight.
"The fact we broke 1 billion shows the pulling power of the women's game.
"If we promote and broadcast world-class football widely, whether it's played by men or women, the fans will always want to watch."
England’s Lionesses - lead by former Manchester United defender Phil Neville - went into the tournament as one of the favourites, but were beaten by the US at the semi-final stage.
It was their success on the world stage which helped act as a catalyst to help promote the women’s game, with the likes of Lucy Bronze and joint-tournament top scorer Ellen White becoming firm favourites.
As a result, England have sold out Wembley for a November friendly against Germany and are set to break the all-time attendance record for a women’s football match.
The Women’s Super League - the top domestic division in the UK - has also received title sponsorship from Barclays in a deal believed to be worth more than £10million.
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