THE eyes of the globe will be on the Kassam Stadium when Oxford United welcome Arsenal in the Emirates FA Cup tonight.

With the potential for a shock in the cup, the game was quickly picked up by ITV1.

Coverage on ITV starts at 7.30pm this evening but it’s not just in the UK where the game will be watched.

Broadcasters across the planet will also be showing the third round tie.

Former Premier League defender Danny Higginbotham will be part of ESPN’s coverage in the United States.

Higginbotham played for the likes of Southampton, Stoke City and Sunderland during a 17-year playing career after initially coming through the ranks at Manchester United.

The 44-year-old, who also represented Gibraltar at international level, said there is a sense of anticipation for United’s match in the States, with viewers eager to watch a lower league side take on a Premier League giant.

Higginbotham told the Oxford Mail: “The FA Cup is loved here with the game growing all the time.

“Excitement for the game is great in terms of looking for an upset.

“Also, the FA Cup is really liked here and the games are all on.

“I love this round when you tend to see a few upsets.”

Following his retirement from the game, Higginbotham has turned to punditry in the US, something he said he is enjoying immensely, whether it be commentating or in the studio.

He said: “I love the co-commentary side of things and the studio, so it’s great to be able to do both.”

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While football may be the national sport here in the UK, it has to battle for attention with the more established sports in the States such as American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey.

Higginbotham though says that football is rapidly growing in popularity across the pond, especially with a World Cup for the US to co-host with Canada and Mexico in three and a half years’ time.

“Football is growing quickly with the World Cup being jointly hosted in 2026,” said Higginbotham.

“The MLS is also growing which helps, and the national team has a lot of potential with Americans transferring to top leagues in Europe, and some very promising young players coming through.

“The next four years are huge in terms of gaining more traction leading into the 2026 World Cup.”