World Cup 2026 is finally underway and the amount of global viewers this year's edition will get is expected to break records. One reason: the 2026 tournament features 104 matches, the most matches it's ever had.
But is the World Cup popular in the U.S.? How many people watch?
Here's what to know:
How many people watched the World Cup 2026 opening game?
There are no official numbers yet by FIFA or any audience auditing firm, and the 1.2 billion figure circulating on social media does not appear to come from any verified source. Early estimates tend to come weeks after the match airs.
However, since this year's edition features 48 countries up from 32 in the 2022 World Cup, more viewers are expected.
In the last edition, FIFA said that Qatar 2022 engaged 5 billiodn people through TV, streaming platforms and social media.
How many people watch the World Cup in the U.S.?
The World Cup is not as popular in the U.S. as it is in other countries.
According to FIFA, only 35 million people in the U.S. tuned in for the World Cup 2022 final, compared to 24 million in France, 12 million in Argentina, countries with less than a fourth of U.S. population.
In Brazil, 81% of the country or 173 million people watched the tournament, according to FIFA.
Super Bowl or World Cup final? Which has more global viewers?
A FIFA World Cup final typically gathers more viewers than an NFL Super Bowl game.
According to different audience analyses in recent years, a Super Bowl gets around 150 to 200 million viewers worldwide, The Sporting News reported.
On the other hand, the 2022 World Cup final amassed 571 million live viewers, according to FIFA.
Juan Carlos Castillo is a New Jersey-based trending reporter for the USA Today network. He covers weather, and national events focusing on how they affect New Jersey.
Source: Asbury Park Press
