The FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina set a new viewership record in the United States, with an estimated 63 million (63 million) viewers.
The final, held in New Jersey, was goalless after full time, but Spain scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time to beat Argentina 0-1 and become world champions.
The English broadcast was watched by 38.9 million viewers, while the Spanish-language broadcast on Telemundo and its Peacock streaming platform was watched by 23.9 million people, according to US broadcaster Fox.
In total, this number exceeded the American audience of the 2022 World Cup final (2 million 23 thousand).
According to the report, several World Cup qualifying matches drew more viewers than any other major American sporting event.
The pre-quarterfinal between England and Mexico was watched by 45 million people, more important than the deciding games of the MLB World Series and the NBA Finals.
According to researchers, these numbers are clear evidence that football is becoming increasingly popular in America, where American football, basketball and baseball have become more important in the past.
This time the World Cup was jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico for the first time, while the fact that the matches were held at convenient times for American viewers was cited as a major reason for increased viewing.
Apart from this, the participation of world stars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the last possible World Cup also increased the interest of the fans.
Broadcasters also benefit from advertising during the tournament, with the cost of a 30-second ad in knockout stage matches reaching $1 million, while the newly introduced hydration breaks provide additional advertising opportunities, according to media experts.
