World Cup Final's Historic Ratings

Morning Edition

July 22, 2026

POWERED BY

The 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup ended with a historic flourish, with the largest U.S. television audience ever for a soccer match and the largest U.S. television audience since the Super Bowl.

—Eric Fisher

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World Cup Final Averaged More Than 66 Million Viewers

Yannick Peterhans/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The FIFA men’s World Cup’s only true rival now in terms of U.S. viewership is the Super Bowl.

Spain’s extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday afternoon averaged 66.4 million viewers between the match-only average of 42.5 million who watched Fox’s English-language coverage, and the 23.9 million more tuning in to the Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo, according to final Nielsen figures.

That aggregate total represents the largest audience on American television since February’s Super Bowl LX, and it is by far the most-watched soccer match of any type in U.S. history. The Fox audience alone for the final peaked at 51.69 million, while the network’s overall telecast averaged 38.94 million viewers.

The concluding flourish for the tournament audience advanced upon the unprecedented World Cup viewership registered during the group stage, then earlier in the knockout rounds, and at watch parties held across the country throughout the event.

For Fox and the English-language coverage, the World Cup final was also the most-watched non-NFL telecast on any network since Game 7 of the 2016 World Series between the Cubs and Cleveland. Across the two networks, the World Cup final was the most-watched sports event, outside of Super Bowls, since the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Closing the Book

Overall, Fox averaged 7.74 million viewers for the entire 2026 World Cup, up 116% from the 2022 tournament in Qatar that was held late fall that year due to climate-related reasons, and also setting an event record. Telemundo, meanwhile, averaged a total audience delivery of 6.3 million viewers, up 143% from four years ago.

The historic viewership is escalating FIFA’s ambitions for the still-unsold rights to the 2030 and 2034 World Cups, even as those upcoming events will have considerable time-zone challenges compared to this year. MLS is also relishing the amplified opportunity that this World Cup provided.

“So after all the pre-tournament criticism, angst, and fearmongering (much done with anticipatory glee), the 2026 World Cup was a historic success,” tweeted Fox Sports analyst Alexi Lalas. “Incredible games, record crowds/viewers, and a cultural phenomenon. People were safe, entertained, and joyous. Visitors discovered, and Americans were reminded, just how wonderful our country is, all through the lens of soccer.”

The 3M Science Behind Golf Clubs

What does it actually take to build a golf club? In this episode of FOS Engineered, presented by 3M, we went inside PING’s headquarters to follow a club through every step of the manufacturing process: from raw materials and precision assembly to stress testing with the legendary PING Man robot.

Along the way, we uncovered how engineering, technology, and innovation come together to create equipment built for performance, including the critical role 3M technologies play throughout the process. From the adhesives that bond club components together to the materials that help ensure durability and consistency, 3M helps enable the precision behind every club.

Watch the full episode here.

LOUD AND CLEAR

Undecided on D.C.

Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

“That’s something that we actually haven’t discussed as a team. … So we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”

—Knicks star Jalen Brunson said of the team potentially visiting U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Brunson made the comment in an interview with Variety.

Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York, and after the Knicks won their first NBA title in 53 years in a 4–1 series over the Spurs, team owner James Dolan said the champions had accepted an invite to visit Washington. “We just received an invitation which we’ve accepted, still have to figure out the details,” Dolan said. “I’ve known the president 30 years, and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House.”

No NBA champion has visited the White House while Trump has been in office.

DAILY SPORTS TRIVIA

Can you rank the top five players by the most career points scored in the NBA Finals?

FOS NEWS

Josh Pate on CFB Controversies and Media Landscape

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College football analyst and ESPN contributor Josh Pate joined Front Office Sports to discuss fallout at Michigan football, why the college football world was right to draw a hard line on Brendan Sorsby, and whether the NCAA has any real power left in college athletics. Pate also spoke about his experience interviewing President Donald Trump and what the backlash taught him.

Watch the full interview.

Texas Sports Getaways

Sports are a way of life in Texas. The state offers a vast array of sporting events throughout the year, from professional teams to college matchups. Stadiums and arenas create electrifying environments for games and matches. The energy bursts out of the arenas and into the surrounding areas. Experience local cuisine, music, and team festivities before and after the whistle blows. Experience the history of Texas sports with unique exhibits and museums that showcase franchises, legends, and key moments.

Find your sporting experience now.