The 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun with a spectacular surge in viewership, setting new benchmarks for both English and Spanish-language broadcasts. The excitement kicked off with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, which drew an impressive audience, followed by the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) match against Paraguay.
The USMNT’s victory over Paraguay on Friday, June 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, was a historic moment. The match averaged nearly 16 million viewers across Fox, Fox One, and Tubi, making it the most-watched USMNT World Cup telecast in English-language history. The audience peaked at 18.86 million viewers at 10:45 p.m. ET, and it was also the most-streamed English-language USMNT match ever, with 1.13 million viewers on Tubi.
The USMNT’s Historic Performance
The USMNT’s 4-1 win over Paraguay was a significant leap from their first Men’s World Cup 2026 group stage telecast on Fox, which had 7.76 million viewers on November 21, 2026. This year’s match saw a staggering 106% increase in viewership. Additionally, the match broke Spanish-language records on Telemundo, Peacock, and Telemundo’s streaming platforms, averaging 8.9 million viewers, making it the most-watched USMNT World Cup match ever on Spanish-language TV.
Mexico’s Triumph and Streaming Milestones
Thursday’s Mexico vs. South Africa match, where Mexico won 2-0, was a landmark event. It was the most-watched World Cup game in Spanish-language history and the most-streamed Mexico World Cup match and group stage match in Spanish-language history. This match also represented the most-watched World Cup opening game, regardless of language, ever, and the most-watched World Cup group stage game not featuring the US team ever, regardless of language.
The viewership for this match saw a remarkable 156% increase compared to Mexico’s 2026 match against Wales, which had 3.5 million viewers. The excitement continued with the opening ceremony before the USMNT’s first match, featuring performances from Katy Perry, LISA, and Anitta, which added to the festive atmosphere.
Upcoming Matches and Viewing Options
World Cup coverage continues with a packed schedule of matches. On Saturday, June 13, Haiti will face Scotland at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, followed by Australia vs. Türkiye at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT. Fans can catch these matches on various platforms, including Fox, Telemundo, Tubi, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Peacock, and FOX One.
For those without cable, YouTube TV offers a comprehensive package that includes Fox, FS1, Universo, and Telemundo. FOX One, a new streaming service from Fox, provides access to all FOX channels, including FOX sports, FS1, and FS2, with a base price of $19.99 a month. Peacock offers an ad-supported subscription for $11/month, providing access to live sports and a vast library of shows and movies.
The 2026 World Cup is off to a thrilling start, with record-breaking viewership and unforgettable moments. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more historic performances and unprecedented TV audiences.
