World Cup final draws record viewership in U.S. amid local struggles
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 5:15 PM
Last updated Jul 23, 2026
SoccerThe FIFA World Cup final saw a significant television audience in the U.S., with Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina attracting nearly 39 million viewers on FOX, a record for English-language soccer broadcasts. Telemundo's Spanish-language coverage also set a record with 24 million viewers. Despite these milestones, the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, ranked as the 16th largest market in the U.S., lagged with a rating of 2.58, placing 30th in viewership rankings. Local interest was bolstered by Minnesota United, which hosted watch parties and recorded approximately 30,000 attendees. The organization is looking to potentially host women’s World Cup matches in 2031 but faces funding challenges similar to past bidding experiences.
- •Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final on July 23.
- •Fox set a record for English-language soccer with 39 million viewers.
- •Telemundo reported 24 million viewers for Spanish-language coverage.
- •Minnesota finished with a 2.58 rating, far below top markets.
- •Minnesota United attracted 30,000 visitors at watch parties.
- 5:15 PMYahoo Sports — World Cup set TV viewing records in U.S., but Minnesota was a straggler
"The FIFA World Cup set viewership records in the U.S. this summer, but the Twin Cities lagged behind top markets. Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina in Sunday’s final in New Jersey reached a total of nearly 39 million viewers on FOX, making it the most-watched English-language soccer broadcast in U.S. history. Telemundo set its own Spanish-language record in the country (24 million), and matches ...
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