Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup Clash Draws Peak Audience of 1.6 Million on 5

Youth Viewership Surges: Adults 16–34s Peak with 34% Share During 8PM Match

Last night’s broadcast of the FIFA Club World Cup Group D match between Chelsea and Los Angeles FC (LAFC) on 5 reached a peak audience of 1.6 million viewers, capturing a 15% share of the viewing audience.    

The first match (kick-off 8pm) averaged 1.4 million viewers (13%), while the second match (kick-off 11pm) drew an average of 283,000 viewers (9%). Across both programmes (7pm–1.30am), the average viewership was 637,000 (9%), with both shows performing above slot average. Notably, the adults 16–34 demographic peaked at 196,000 viewers with a 34% share during the 8pm game, while averaging 65,000 viewers and a 16% share across the evening.   

Lee Sears, President of Paramount International Advertising Sales, commented: “Last night’s FIFA Club World Cup match was a standout moment for 5, driving big numbers including new and hard to reach younger audiences to the channel. It’s a clear example of how premium live sport can outperform our channel average and deliver real value to both viewers and advertisers.”   

The Chelsea vs. LAFC match was part of 5’s ongoing coverage of the FIFA Club World Cup, following the previously announced partnership with DAZN. Under the deal, 5 is broadcasting 23 of the tournament’s 63 matches free-to-air in the UK, with the remaining 40 matches available exclusively on DAZN. All 63 matches are also free-to-air globally on DAZN, including in the UK. 

The tournament, running from June 14 to July 13 in the United States, features 32 of the world’s top club sides from 20 countries and all six international football confederations. Competing teams include Chelsea and Manchester City, alongside Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and global icons such as Inter Miami and Boca Juniors.