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England's semi-final saw broadband traffic soar as non-football fans tuned in too

Data from Hyperoptic showed the semi-final clash against Argentina saw the highest broadband traffic for any of this summer's England World Cup games

[England ahead of the semi-final]

England ahead of the semi-final(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)

England's semi-final drove the highest broadband traffic for any of this summer's Three Lions World Cup games, network data has revealed. The stats from alternative full-fibre provider Hyperoptic suggests that broadband usage peaked at around 150155% above pre-match levels last night (July 15).

It said the peak was also approximately 1011% higher than during Spain vs France the previous evening.

Hyperoptic said traffic after Spain vs France eased gradually but demand following Englands defeat dropped away almost immediately, suggesting disappointed fans were quick to switch off. The data also suggests that many non-football fans made an exception for the 2-1 defeat to Argentina.

[ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Anthony Gordon #18 of England looks dejected as he acknowledges the fans with teammates after defeat to Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)]

Anthony Gordon (left) and Jude Bellingham (right) looked dejected as England crashed out of the World Cup last night(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)

Hyperoptics research, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults with home broadband, found 18% of people say someone else is streaming TV or films while they're watching football.

But usage across streaming platforms that weren't showing the match dropped sharply at kick-off, with overall broadband demand remaining high.

This suggests that many of the nations so-called 'football widows' may have watched the match while scrolling, shopping or messaging from a second screen.

The figures say streaming activity then rebounded immediately after the final whistle, reaching its highest level of the day as viewers returned to their usual programmes.

With England still to play France in the third-place play-off and Spain and Argentina battling it out in the final, there will be plenty of households using screens this weekend. Ahead of the final two matches, Hyperoptic are advising households to check routers are positioned centrally and not hidden inside cupboards.

It said this is particularly important where several people may be streaming, gaming or using different devices simultaneously. Mark Bartlett, COO at Hyperoptic, said: "A house divided over what to watch shouldnt mean anyone is stuck buffering."

The game saw England take the lead through Anthony Gordon, before Argentina fought back to reach the tournament's showpiece after strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez in Atlanta, Georgia.

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