2026 FIFA World Cup TV Ratings Skyrocket on Fox and Telemundo
Fox and Telemundo have reported significant viewership increases for the 2026 FIFA World Cup compared to the 2022 tournament. According to Nielsen, Fox and FS1 averaged 6 million viewers through the first 16 group matches, while Telemundo averaged 7.5 million through its first 12, driven by North American hosting and expanded viewing metrics.
The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team’s opening match against Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium set a record for the most-watched World Cup game on both English and Spanish language television. Fox and its streaming platforms drew 18 million viewers, while Telemundo’s telecast averaged 9.5 million.
Telemundo’s group stage average represents a 234% increase from four years ago, while Fox’s average is a 128% increase over the 2022 FIFA World Cup, according to Nielsen data.
Why are 2026 World Cup ratings increasing?
Hosting the tournament in North America for the first time since 1994 has had a “huge impact” on ratings, according to Patrick Rishe, director of the sports business program at Washington University in St. Louis.
Mike Mulvihill, president of insights and analytics for Fox Sports, attributes the rise to a more accurate representation of the audience. Mulvihill stated that the inclusion of out-of-home viewing—such as fan fests, bars, and watch parties—captures viewers who were previously under-counted.
Out-of-home viewing increased the audience for Mexico’s June 11 inaugural match by 50% and added several million viewers to the USMNT opener, according to Mulvihill.
Social factors are also playing a role. Lisa Delpy Neirotti, director of the sports management program at the George Washington University School of Business, suggests the public may be seeking a distraction from war in the Middle East and U.S. political discord.
Delpy Neirotti also noted momentum from the NBA Finals, where the New York Knicks’ victory over the San Antonio Spurs averaged 20.6 million viewers on ABC. This “feel-good story” may have primed fans for the collective experience of the World Cup.
How is the tournament performing in specific U.S. markets?
Combined viewership for Fox and Telemundo is highest in Los Angeles, a city with a large Latino population and 500,000 Iranians. On Monday, 4.7 million viewers watched the Iranian national team tie 2-2 against New Zealand, the second most-watched match ever on Fox Sports 1.
Kansas City recorded the highest local rating for the USMNT match, with over 9% of the market’s homes tuning in to Fox. The city hosted its first World Cup match Tuesday at Arrowhead Stadium.
During that match, Argentina’s Lionel Messi set a tournament record by scoring three goals in a 3-0 victory over Algeria. Rishe noted that city-planned watch parties in the Power and Light District have helped cultivate local soccer fans.
What happens next for broadcasters and viewers?
Fox expects another viewership record when the USMNT plays its third group stage match in prime time on June 25.
Mulvihill projects that 150 million people may watch some portion of Fox’s coverage by the end of the tournament. This figure would approach the 170 million people Fox reaches during the NFL regular season.
Because early ratings have surpassed expectations, Fox may now sell remaining commercial inventory for later rounds at higher prices than those paid before the tournament began.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which match set the record for the most-watched World Cup game?
The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team’s opening match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, which drew 18 million viewers on Fox and its streaming platforms and 9.5 million on Telemundo.
How did the 2026 ratings compare to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
According to Nielsen, Fox and FS1 saw a 128% increase in average group stage viewership, while Telemundo saw a 234% increase.
What record did Lionel Messi set during the tournament?
Messi set a tournament record by scoring three goals in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium.
Which match are you most looking forward to in the later rounds of the tournament?