The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered the answer. Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina attracted 38.9 million viewers on FOX, according to data from Nielsen Media Research, making it the most-watched English-language soccer broadcast in U.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup went about its business of smashing every TV ratings record on the books, the tournament’s stateside media partners made a killing with their respective ad sales efforts. According to Guideline data,

Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina drew an average of 66.4 million viewers across the country, making it the most-watched World Cup final and soccer telecast in American history. Fox and Telemundo combined for that number, with Fox drawing 42.5 ...

Each Stage of the 2026 Tournament Set New Viewership Records in Spanish-Language Media History in Total Audience

After the 2026 World Cup, De Los editors discuss how Telemundo reigned supreme — and how media companies need to court Latino audiences if they want big ratings.

The World Cup drew historical numbers in the country as the hosts also got record audiences. The competition was a huge success for the TV networks that had the rights to broadcast World Cup matches for the last month and a half,

There are a lot of things that could have gone wrong during this summer’s World Cup — a complicated logistical undertaking that included three host nations, 16 stadiums, 48 teams, 104 games and endless opportunities for controversy on and off the soccer field.

The World Cup is (sadly) over, but it will generate a lingering impact on a host of media-related businesses, not just in the U.S. but globally.