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World Cup Round of 32 Delivered NFL Primetime Caliber TV Ratings
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- World Cup Round of 32 Delivered NFL Primetime Caliber TV Ratings
It's safe to say that the FIFA World Cup has captured the hearts and minds of America. But more importantly for the broadcasters, it's captured their eyes.
According to the Sports Business Journal, FOX Sports and Telemundo combined to average a very impressive 16.9 million viewers per game during the Round of 32. Per the report, that average mark is nearly identical to the average audience that tuned in to Monday Night Football last season.
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USMNT-Bosnia & Herzegovina and Mexico-Ecuador both led the way with 36.2 million and 29.3 million viewers respectively. Both games saw their respective teams win historic games in front of home crowds.
Those big games weren't the only ones though. That epic Argentina-Cape Verde game had 26.2 million viewers, while the Portugal-Croatia game had 21.0 million.
It's been estimated that FOX Sports will be able to recoup their $485 million fee for World Cup broadcasting rights just on the hydration break advertising alone. Based on these numbers, the World Cup is primed to be one of their most profitable broadcasts in a long time.
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July 7, 2026; Vancouver, Canada; Switzerland's Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji and Eray Comert celebrate after the penalty shootout as Switzerland qualify for the quarter finals of the World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images© Simon Fearn-Imagn Images.
Bigger Numbers Ahead
The Round of 16 only just wrapped up on Tuesday and if the preliminary numbers on the USMNT-Belgium and Mexico-England games are anything to go by, the ratings should be even stronger for that round.
The Quarterfinals begin today and while there won't be nearly as many games over the next few days, they're still expected to get strong ratings given how many world class superstars are still in it.
But it's wouldn't be too much of a shock if the lack of the USMNT or Mexico in the World Cup does see that average drop during the next round.
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Now the next question is whether pro soccer will gain real ratings staying power in the United States. On social media, people seem more ready than ever to find club soccer teams to latch onto and support.
But it seems like we're still a ways away from soccer being able to put up NFL numbers outside of World Cup years.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Jul 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
