The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup has kicked off with a bang, and FOX Sports is reaping the rewards. Through the first 16 telecasts, the network is averaging a whopping 6.016 million viewers across FOX and FS1—a staggering 128% increase compared to the entire group stage of the 2022 tournament on those same channels. The action on the pitch has been nothing short of spectacular, and the audience is clearly hooked.
FOX Sports PR announced the numbers on Wednesday, highlighting that even games in less-than-ideal time slots have drawn massive audiences. The network's data shows that the tournament's drama, fueled by stunning upsets and late-game heroics, has captivated fans far beyond the typical soccer audience. The 2022 World Cup group stage averaged just 2.64 million viewers on FOX and FS1, making this year's leap all the more impressive.
Upsets Fuel the Fire
Monday's slate of matches provided the perfect example of why ratings are soaring. While there were no outright winners, the day was defined by jaw-dropping draws that shook up the tournament. The biggest shocker came when Cape Verde, the 67th-ranked team in the world and World Cup debutants, held powerhouse Spain to a 0-0 draw. Goalkeeper Vozinha, at 40 years old, became an instant legend with a series of breathtaking saves, earning his country a historic point.
The drama didn't stop there. Egypt and Belgium played to a 1-1 draw, with Belgium's failure to beat the African side registering as another major upset. That game pulled in 4.842 million average viewers on FOX, peaking at 6.384 million. Later, Saudi Arabia held two-time champion Uruguay to a 1-1 draw, with Uruguay scrambling to equalize in the 80th minute. The nightcap between Iran and New Zealand ended 2-2, drawing 4.716 million viewers on FS1 and becoming the second-most-watched soccer telecast in the channel's history.
A Broader Trend
The ratings boom is part of a larger pattern of growing interest in the World Cup across the United States. The tournament's appeal extends beyond traditional soccer markets, as fans from all backgrounds tune in to witness the unpredictability of the sport. The strong numbers also bode well for the upcoming knockout stages, where stakes will be even higher.
FOX's success isn't just about the numbers; it's about the stories. From the most attractive fan bases to unexpected incidents at the stadiums, the tournament is generating headlines on and off the field. Even celebrity sightings are adding to the buzz, creating a cultural moment that transcends sports.
With the group stage still unfolding, FOX is poised to break even more records. The network's ability to deliver compelling coverage, paired with the tournament's inherent drama, has turned the 2026 World Cup into a ratings juggernaut. If the first week is any indication, the best is yet to come.
