The Global Game: How TV Ratings Signal a Shift in America's Soccer Landscape The numbers are undeniable: the 2026 men's World Cup shattered viewing records in the United States, marking a significant shift in American sports fandom.
For decades, soccer has been a niche interest on this side of the Atlantic, but the unprecedented audiences tuning in for the tournament suggest that something more profound is at play.
Initial viewership numbers were staggering: 13. 4 million for Telemundo's Spanish language telecast and 7. 19 million for Fox's English language presentation on opening day.