World Cup 2018: More than 40m streams for group stage matches online with BBC

In 25 games during the group stages on the BBC, 72 goals were scored

More people than ever have watched the World Cup online on the BBC, with more than 40m requests for live and on-demand action from Russia 2018.

England's opener with Tunisia was the most popular match online with 3.22m watching via the BBC Sport website, app and iPlayer. England v Panama got 2.8m.

The previous live-stream record was 2.2m for England v Wales in Euro 2016.

England against Tunisia was also viewed by 18.3m on television, making it the BBC's most watched TV event of 2018.

"We're delighted we've been able to bring some of the most exciting games of the World Cup so far to BBC audiences and that so many have tuned in!" said Steve Rudge, BBC lead executive for football.

"We now look forward to bringing viewers some of the biggest games of the next round, including heavyweight clashes between France and Argentina and when the hosts Russia take on Spain in Moscow."

Most-requested Russia 2018 matches from BBC Sport

1. Tunisia v England (3.22m)

2. England v Panama (3.13m)

3. Portugal v Spain (2.03m)

4. Egypt v Uruguay (2.03m)

5. South Korea v Germany (1.98m)