The comparison covers England’s group-stage matches at two World Cups and points to a substantial change in how mass audiences access live sport.
That last point is significant. Broadband delivery allows live television to follow the strength and location of a home’s internet connection, rather than the position of a fixed traditional outlet.
England matches provide one of the clearest tests of viewing behaviour because they combine national interest with free-to-air mass appeal. A household that rarely streams live television may still choose broadband delivery when a World Cup match commands attention.
The reported rise does not mean aerials and satellite dishes have disappeared. It does show that they are no longer the only practical route to a major live football audience. Streaming services, connected televisions and broadband-based packages have made flexible viewing a normal part of the matchday routine.
The shift also changes the role of the living-room television. A screen can be placed where the connection works best, giving households more control over how and where they watch.
The crucial question is whether broadband viewing remains strong outside a World Cup. The next major England tournament will offer another clear benchmark, while domestic and international fixtures will reveal whether the reported increase reflects a lasting structural change or simply the exceptional pull of a global football event.