USMNT’s Record‑Setting Opener Ignites a Summer of Soccer
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken over the United States, and the numbers prove it. The USMNT’s opening match against Paraguay delivered a historic television audience, setting a new all‑time viewership record for the men’s national team. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad rewarded the massive audience with a dominant 4–1 victory, powered by a Folarin Balogun brace, a Gio Reyna strike, and a Paraguay own goal. The win set the tone for a tournament that has already captured the country’s attention in unprecedented ways.
Nearly 25 Million Watch USMNT vs Paraguay
New research from Action Network shows that the USMNT’s opener drew a staggering 24.89 million viewers across the United States. The match commanded a 32 percent national TV audience share, meaning nearly one‑third of all televisions in the country were tuned into the World Cup. The figure surpassed the previous USMNT record and even topped the 24 million viewers who watched the New York Knicks clinch their first NBA title since 1973 earlier this month.
The surge reflects a nation fully locked into the World Cup, energized by a home‑soil tournament and a team expected to make a deep run.
Canada Sees Strong Numbers Too
The World Cup’s momentum is not limited to the United States. Canada’s opening match, a 1–1 draw with Bosnia, attracted 4.3 million viewers nationwide. While the number is significantly smaller than the US audience, it still represents one of the largest soccer broadcasts in Canadian history. The comparison underscores the scale of American engagement, with US viewership nearly six times higher.
New June 2026 Research Shows Americans Believe They Can Compete
The TV boom arrives alongside new nationwide research showing that American sports confidence is at an all‑time high. A June 2026 study conducted for Ignition Casino found that one in five Americans believes they could score a World Cup goal for the USMNT. Los Angeles leads the country in confidence, with 30 percent of residents backing themselves to score on the world stage. Miami and Dallas follow closely, while California ranks as the most confident state overall.
The survey also revealed bold beliefs across other sports. Nearly one‑third of Miami residents think they could score a point against LeBron James in a one‑on‑one game, while more than a third of Californians believe they could do the same. Confidence extends to football as well, with 32.5 percent of Los Angeles residents believing they could kick a Super Bowl‑winning field goal.
USMNT Looks to Build on Momentum Against Australia
With record ratings behind them, Pochettino’s squad returns to action today against Australia in their second group‑stage match. Another strong performance could push viewership even higher as the country continues to rally behind a team that has become must‑watch television.
