The FIFA World Cup tournament barreled into North America this year amid a tide of nativism, political polarization in the U.S. and the usual uncertainty over how well the quadrennial men's soccer championship would play with American sports fans — especially as this year's 39-day competition collided directly with the America 250 celebrations.

This column is from Trendlines, the business newsletter that covers the forces shaping the economy in Boston and beyond. If you’d like to receive it via email on Mondays and Thursdays, sign up here. The energy around the FIFA World Cup in Boston has been palpable.

As the knockout rounds of the World Cup begin, Fox and Telemundo can be crowned as two of the biggest winners off the field.

The USMNT's 4-1 World Cup loss to Belgium drew 30 million viewers on Fox, the most-watched soccer broadcast in U.S. history.

Mexico vs. England Delivers the Most-Watched Soccer Match Ever in Spanish-Language Media History in Total Audience and Sets New Linear Record As Highest Telecast Ever in Spanish

The U.S. men's national team released a statement on social media following its World Cup elimination.

With the USMNT out, ratings for the World Cup will likely suffer: 'This doesn't have to be the last soccer game you watch for the next four years,' John Strong told viewers after the shellacking.