Fox, Telemundo announce record TV ratings for 2026 World Cup final

More than 61 million people in the U.S. tuned into the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, July 19, according to numbers released by the television networks that broadcast the match.

Fox’s English-language broadcast averaged 38,937,000 viewers, breaking the record as the most-watched soccer match in U.S. history set earlier this month by the United States’ loss to Belgium in the round of 16.

That number made it the most-watched English-language broadcast of any program outside of NFL games since 2016, when 40 million viewers tuned in to watch Game 7 of the World Series.

The Spanish broadcast of the final, which Spain won 1-0 in extra time, on Telemundo averaged 22.6 million. That broadcast also was available on the Peacock streaming service.

Fox says its broadcast peaked at 51,685,000 viewers during extra time, as Spain’s Ferran Torres found the goal that allowed La Roja to lift the trophy.

Spain fans pack Cibeles Square in Madrid on July 20, 2026, as they await the arrival of Spain’s players one day after the national football team won their second World Cup title following a 1-0 victory against Argentina. Spain’s World Cup winners come back home to a heroes’ welcome in Madrid, where a million fans are expected to greet them after a night of raucous celebrations across the country.

Spain fans pack Cibeles Square in Madrid on July 20, 2026, as they await the arrival of Spain’s players one day after the national football team won their second World Cup title following a 1-0 victory against Argentina. Spain’s World Cup winners come back home to a heroes’ welcome in Madrid, where a million fans are expected to greet them after a night of raucous celebrations across the country.

Spain’s Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Rodri and teammates celebrate with the World Cup trophy during the victory parade.

The final was one of nine matches that eclipsed the previous mark for the most-viewed soccer match in English, set in 2022 when 16.7 million viewers watched the thrilling final between France and Argentina.

Fox and Telemundo were awarded the TV rights to the World Cup, which had increased interest in North America thanks to taking place across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, without a bid in 2015.

But the numbers for the 2026 tournament may only increase competition for the rights for the 2030 and 2034 editions of the World Cup. Telemundo executive Joaquin Duro told Sports Business Journal earlier this month that the success early in the tournament had NBC considering a bid for both the English and Spanish rights. In addition to Fox, ESPN and streaming giants YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime are reportedly also weighing up bids.

The next two editions of the Women’s World Cup, taking place in Brazil in 2027 and across the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica in 2031, will be on streaming service Netflix in both English and Spanish.