Mexico's World Cup Opener Sets Record Viewership for Fox

WHO:

Deadline - Mexico national football team and South Africa national football team participated in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

WHAT:

Pro Football Network - The opening match attracted a staggering 1.2 billion viewers worldwide, surpassing the viewership of Super Bowl 60.

Deadline - Mexico won the opening match against South Africa with a score of 2-0.

Deadline - The match attracted 6.3 million viewers across Fox, Fox One, and Tubi, making it the most-watched English-language World Cup opener.

WHERE:

NBC News - The opening match took place in Mexico City.

WHEN:

Deadline - The 2026 FIFA World Cup began on a Thursday.

WHY:

NBC News - The event marked the start of the largest World Cup ever.

HOW:

Deadline - Viewership statistics were derived from early Nielsen ratings and internal data.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 01:45 UTC)

The opening match of the latest football season has drawn an astonishing 1.2 billion viewers globally, breaking the record for the most-watched event, even surpassing Super Bowl 60. This milestone highlights the immense popularity of the sport and its ability to captivate audiences around the world. With such impressive numbers, it’s clear that fans are eager for the excitement this season promises to deliver.

--

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 23:27 UTC)

In a thrilling start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico triumphed over South Africa with a score of 2-0 in the opening match held in Mexico City. This exciting game drew an impressive 6.3 million viewers across Fox, Fox One, and Tubi, making it the most-watched English-language World Cup opener to date. The event marks the beginning of the largest World Cup ever, showcasing the global enthusiasm for football.