It’s official – Australians have been converted to soccer fanatics after almost 19 million people tuned in to watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

A record 18.6 million people — including the 5.54 million people who tuned in to Sunday night’s final match, where Spain triumphed over England 1-0 — tuned in across the tournament, making it the biggest broadcast and digital viewing event in Australian history.

The final was the number one broadcast program on Sunday night nationally and in the capital cities in all people, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s.

It drew an average national total audience of 3.08 million on Seven and 7plus.

Saturday’s playoff for third place between Australia and Sweden also saw huge numbers, with an average audience of 3.38 million witnessing the Matildas’ heartbreaking 2-0 loss.

The match was the number one broadcast program on the night nationally and in the capital cities in all people, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s.

The Matildas’ semifinal against England on August 16 became the most-watched TV program in more than two decades, seeing an average audience of 7.2 million.

It also made history as the most streamed event ever in Australia, with 957,000 viewers on 7plus.

Managing Director Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin, said Seven’s broadcast of the Women’s World Cup highlighted the “growing passion” for women’s football in Australia.

“Seven’s unparalleled live and free coverage of the event, underpinned by our team of passionate, expert commentators, reaffirms our ongoing commitment to celebrate and grow both men’s and women’s sports across all codes. From the AFLW and the WBBL to women’s international cricket and more, Seven has a strong legacy of bringing the best in sports to Australians that inspires the next generation,” he said.

“This World Cup has been like no other and has set a new benchmark for future tournaments. The Matildas have been nothing short of spectacular, and we’re honoured to have shared their remarkable journey.”

Seven West Media Chief Revenue Officer, Kurt Burnette, agreed, noting the sporting event “firmly cemented itself” as the biggest broadcast and digital viewing event in Australian history.

“We knew it would be a cultural game changer, and it’s been just that – categorically shaping culture and changing behaviours. Audience numbers on Seven and 7plus, in partnership with Optus, surpassed our expectations to deliver incredible results for our brand partners while creating a halo effect across the rest of our schedule like we’ve never seen before,” he said.

“No other medium other can create the same mass cultural impact as TV, and we’re proud that Seven’s coverage united Australia, created a shared sense of pride across the nation and produced lasting memories that will inspire a new generation.”