Messi, Spain and history fuel record US FIFA audience
The FIFA World Cup final attracted a record 63 million viewers in the U.S., significantly surpassing the 22.3 million who watched the 2022 final in Qatar. Spain's 1-0 victory, secured in the 106th minute, contributed to a strong overall performance for the tournament's broadcasters, with Fox and Comcast investing heavily in rights packages. This viewership surge reflects growing interest in soccer in the U.S., particularly during prime-time slots, and may signal a shift in the sports landscape dominated by American football, basketball, and baseball.