WASHINGTON, June 19 (Xinhua) -- FIFA has released audience figures for the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup, showing strong television viewership across the three host countries of Canada, Mexico and the United States.
According to FIFA, more than one million spectators have attended matches at stadiums since the start of the tournament. Television audiences for the opening matches involving the three host nations exceeded 54 million viewers across North America.
In the United States, the host team's opening match against Paraguay attracted an average audience of 27.5 million television viewers. FIFA said it was the most-watched World Cup match ever broadcast in the country.
Mexico's opening match against South Africa drew an average audience of 23.4 million viewers, while Canada's opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina averaged 3.1 million viewers across English and French-language broadcasters.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "These figures tell you everything about what this tournament means to these countries, this continent, and the entire world. However, this is not just about numbers - this is about millions of people from every corner of the world, coming together through football. The atmosphere, energy and passion I feel in these host countries is something incredibly special. The fans inside full stadiums, those watching at home, and some celebrating in the streets are all part of something unique." ■
