Historic Qualification, Spectacular Goals, Another Hat-Trick and a Unique Record on Day 16 of the FIFA World Cup, as Antena 1 Leads the Ratings

The Final Decisive Matchday Before the Round of 32 Awaits

Only one day remains before the Round of 32 of the world's most-watched sporting event, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, broadcast exclusively across the Antena universe. Yesterday, the teams in Groups G, H and I delivered spectacular performances and made history.

All eyes were on last night's clash between Norway and France, which ended in a commanding 4-1 victory for France. Meanwhile, the audience ratings released today for the previous day's matches—Japan vs. Sweden (Group F, 1-1) and Türkiye vs. USA (Group D, 3-2)—confirmed that both broadcasts were clear ratings winners. Antena 1 also topped the audience rankings throughout the entire day and during Prime Time.

The battle for qualification to the Round of 32 continues exclusively on Antena 1, AntenaPLAY and Antena 3 CNN, with the decisive Group J, K and L fixtures: Panama vs. England, Croatia vs. Ghana, Colombia vs. Portugal, DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan, Jordan vs. Argentina, and Algeria vs. Austria. All matches will be streamed live on AntenaPLAY across three dedicated channels, ensuring fans won't miss any key moments from the tournament.

The Group I match between Norway and France, broadcast live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY between 10:02 p.m. and midnight, was the viewers' top choice. It recorded a 37.8% market share and an average rating of 8.1 points among the commercial audience aged 21-54, well ahead of Pro TV, which posted a 20% market share and an average rating of 4.3 points. The same hierarchy was maintained among the urban audience, where Antena 1 achieved a 29.2% market share and 8 rating points, compared to Pro TV's 11.7% market share and 3.2 rating points. Nationwide, Antena 1 also led with a 25.3% market share and 7.1 rating points, while Pro TV followed with 12.9% market share and 3.6 rating points. At the golden minute (10:45 p.m.), nearly 1.5 million viewers were watching the match on Antena 1.

At the same time, viewers also enjoyed the other Group I fixture, Senegal vs. Iraq, broadcast live on Antena 3 CNN and AntenaPLAY, where Senegal cruised to a 5-0 victory. Antena 1 also finished as the most-watched television channel throughout the entire day, posting 2.3 rating points and a 24.1% market share, while leading Prime Time (7:00 p.m. – midnight) with 4.8 rating points and a 25.9% market share. The audience figures released today for the previous day's matches—Japan vs. Sweden (Group F, 1-1) and Türkiye vs. USA (Group D, 3-2)—also placed Antena 1 at the top of the ratings, recording 36.5% and 26.4% market share, respectively, among viewers aged 21-54.

France defeated Norway 4-1 to secure first place in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, broadcast exclusively across the Antena universe. Les Bleus claimed top spot thanks to a sensational hat-trick from Ousmane Dembélé, while Désiré Doué added a fourth goal in stoppage time. Norway managed only a consolation goal from Aasgaard and also missed a penalty through Larsen. Star striker Erling Haaland was rested, while Kylian Mbappé, who was hoping to draw level with Lionel Messi in the tournament's scoring charts, failed to find the net.

Meanwhile, Antena 3 CNN aired the other Group I match, where Senegal comfortably defeated Iraq 5-0. The Africans now have three points and remain hopeful of securing one of the eight best third-place spots that advance to the knockout stage.

The match also produced a historic milestone. According to Opta, Iliman Ndiaye became the first player in FIFA World Cup history to come off the bench and, in a single appearance, score a goal, register an assist, record at least five touches inside the opponent's penalty area, and complete at least five successful dribbles. Ndiaye had started both of Senegal's previous World Cup matches on the bench, making only a seven-minute cameo against France before remaining unused against Norway.

At 3:00 a.m., live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY, Uruguay faced Spain in Group H. Spain secured a narrow 1-0 victory, eliminating Marcelo Bielsa's side from the tournament. Spain advanced to the Round of 32 as group winners, while Uruguay became one of the biggest disappointments of the group stage.

In the other Group H fixture, broadcast on Antena 3 CNN and AntenaPLAY, Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia, securing a historic qualification for the knockout stage in their very first FIFA World Cup appearance. Coached by Bubista, Cape Verde finished the group with three draws—against Spain (0-0), Uruguay (2-2) and Saudi Arabia (0-0)—becoming the first national team in 28 years to progress from the World Cup group stage with three draws. The last team to achieve that feat was Chile in 1998. Cape Verde will now face Argentina in the Round of 32.

This morning at 6:00 a.m., live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY, Belgium booked their place in the Round of 32 with an emphatic 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver. Rudi Garcia's side produced a dominant display after drawing their opening two matches against Iran and Egypt. With five points, Belgium are guaranteed a place in the knockout rounds.

Also at 6:00 a.m., Antena 3 CNN and AntenaPLAY broadcast a dramatic finish in Seattle, where Egypt and Iran drew 1-1. Egypt qualified for the Round of 32 after finishing second in the group, while Iran, who ended in third place, must now await the outcome of the final group-stage matches.

Match Schedule – Day 17 of the FIFA World Cup

The group stage comes to a close at the FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Six matches will be broadcast live on Antena 1, Antena 3 CNN and streamed live on AntenaPLAY.

• Panama vs. England – 12:00 a.m. (Antena 1, AntenaPLAY)
• Croatia vs. Ghana – 12:00 a.m. (Antena 3 CNN, AntenaPLAY)
• Colombia vs. Portugal – 2:30 a.m. (Antena 1, AntenaPLAY)
• DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan – 2:30 a.m. (Antena 3 CNN, AntenaPLAY)
• Jordan vs. Argentina – 5:00 a.m. (Antena 1, AntenaPLAY)
• Algeria vs. Austria – 5:00 a.m. (Antena 3 CNN, AntenaPLAY)

Source: Fifty5Blue
Copyright: ARMADATA S.R.L.
Audience data processed by the Antena Group Research Department.
Analysis based on the Urban 21–54, Urban Total, and National target audiences.
Reporting period: June 26, 2026.