Spain’s World Cup Final Sets U.S. TV Viewership Record
6 reported
According to a single-source report from Variety, the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina averaged 38,937,000 viewers on Fox, making it the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. television history and the most-watched FIFA World Cup final ever in the United States. The viewership peaked at 5:45 p.m. with 51,685,000 viewers as Spain scored the only goal of the match. The final was up 132% compared to the 2022 final and up 240% compared to the 2018 final. The match went into extra time before substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to secure Spain’s 1-0 victory. Ratings from Telemundo and Peacock have not yet been reported.
What’s reported
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
The match averaged 38,937,000 viewers on Fox, a record for U.S. soccer telecasts.
Viewership peaked at 5:45 p.m. with 51,685,000 viewers during Spain’s goal.
The final was up 132% vs. the 2022 final (16,784,000 viewers) and up 240% vs. the 2018 final (11,441,000 viewers).
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute.
Telemundo/Peacock ratings are still pending.
Key figures
Ferran Torres: substitute who scored the winning goal for Spain.
Sources: Variety
