The opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between host nation Mexico and South Africa attracted a record audience in the United States, with 7.1 million viewers tuning in to English-language broadcasts. The match, held on Thursday and aired across Fox, Fox One, and streaming platform Tubi, marked the highest U.S. English-language viewership ever recorded for a World Cup group-stage game that did not feature the United States.

Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in front of a substantial domestic crowd, further driving interest in the tournament on home soil. According to Fox, this viewership milestone reflects growing engagement with soccer in the U.S., especially during high-profile events like the World Cup.

Later in the day, the United States faced Paraguay, drawing an even larger audience. The American team’s win set a new record for English-language broadcasts of a U.S. World Cup match in the group stage, with 15.9 million viewers watching the game. This figure underscores the strong following for the U.S. national team and highlights the significance of the tournament as it unfolds across North America.

These viewership numbers demonstrate the growing popularity of soccer in the United States and the heightened anticipation surrounding the first World Cup hosted by three countries—Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The 2026 tournament’s opening matches illustrate the expanding market for the sport and its broadcast potential across multiple platforms.