(CNN) -- The 2014 World Cup in Brazil has shown the growing global interest in football, according to early broadcast figures released by the game's governing body FIFA . The first round of group matches have shattered TV viewing records worldwide and highlighted an increase in the amount of people watching football in countries that aren't known for their ardent fanaticism. Fans in countries such as the United States and Australia have tuned in in their millions to watch their national teams play in one of the biggest sporting events of the world. FIFA said the first-round game between the U.S. and Ghana brought in 11.1 million viewers on ESPN, a record high for its coverage of World Cup matches.
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FIFA says World Cup has produced record performances for broadcasters
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Opening game between Brazil and Croatia watched by 43 million on host network
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Japanese channel doubled its best sports numbers this year for Ivory Coast game
"The @placeholder broadcast production of all World Cup matches makes this competition truly global and accessible for fans all over the world," Ericson said.