Spain Becomes the Second Team to Reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals as Antena 1 Tops the Ratings for the 30th Consecutive Day
Last night, all eyes were on the second FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final, broadcast exclusively across the Antena Universe. Reigning European champions Spain, led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and yet to concede a goal at this tournament before kick-off, faced Belgium's experienced side, featuring Tielemans, De Bruyne and Lukaku. La Roja defeated Belgium 2-1 in a match that once again dominated the TV ratings, extending the tournament's streak as the audience leader to 30 consecutive days. Antena 1 also finished yesterday as the most-watched television channel, both across the entire broadcast day and during Prime Time. With the victory, Spain advanced to the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where they will face France for a place in the final of the tournament being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Tonight promises another unforgettable night as the battle for the remaining semi-final places unfolds. Erling Haaland, who eliminated Brazil and has shattered record after record despite being born in England, now looks to break English hearts. Norway takes on England, captained by Harry Kane and featuring superstar Jude Bellingham, live from midnight on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY. Later tonight, at 4:00 AM, the remarkable Lionel Messi, already on eight goals at this tournament, leads reigning world champions Argentina against surprise package Switzerland in what promises to be a true thriller. Saturday night offers no sleep for football fans, as the final two semi-final places will be decided live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY.
The second quarter-final, Spain vs. Belgium, broadcast live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY between 10:01 PM and 11:59 PM, ranked as viewers' first choice. Spain's 2-1 victory recorded a 51.2% market share and a 12.3 rating among adults aged 21–54, compared to Pro TV's 13.2% market share and 3.2 rating points. The same ranking was maintained among urban viewers, where the match posted a 43.3% market share and a 12.8 rating, ahead of Pro TV's 10.7% market share and 3.2 rating points. Nationwide, Antena 1 also led with a 37% market share and an 11.1 rating, while Pro TV followed with a 12.2% market share and a 3.7 rating. At the peak viewing minute (11:51 PM), nearly 2.2 million viewers were watching the match on Antena 1.
Antena 1 also topped the overall daily rankings among adults aged 21–54 with a 2.6 rating and a 26.2% market share. During Prime Time (7:00 PM–12:00 AM), the channel recorded a 7.2 rating and a 35.8% market share.
Last night, La Roja secured victory thanks to goals from Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino, while Belgium's only goal came from Charles De Ketelaere. Spain opened the scoring in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz. Belgium equalised in the 41st minute when De Ketelaere found the net. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute, when Mikel Merino capitalised on a mistake by Lammens, who had replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois in the 71st minute, to score the winning goal.
Lamine Yamal also reached another historic milestone at the FIFA World Cup. At just 18 years of age, he made his sixth appearance at a World Cup finals tournament, becoming the youngest player ever to achieve that feat.
Following this result, France and Spain will face each other in the semi-finals for a place in the FIFA World Cup Final, which will be broadcast live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY. Didier Deschamps' side secured their place after defeating Morocco 2-0 thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Spain, meanwhile, advanced by overcoming Belgium 2-1, with goals from Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino, while Charles De Ketelaere scored Belgium's only goal.
Remaining FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals
- 12:00 AM – Norway vs. England, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY
- 4:00 AM – Argentina vs. Switzerland, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY
Source: Fifty5Blue
Copyright: ARMADATA S.R.L.
Audience data processed by: Antena Group Research Department
Analysis based on the following audience segments: Adults 21–54 (Urban), Total Urban and National
Reporting period: July 10, 2026
