Argentina Becomes the Second Finalist of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Antena 1 Tops Ratings for the 35th Consecutive Day, Setting a New Audience Record

Spain vs. Argentina: The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final! When and Where Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi Will Face Off

Two of football's greatest nations wrote another chapter in their historic rivalry last night, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY, in a match where hope, pressure, and emotion shifted from one minute to the next. Just when England seemed destined to reach its first World Cup final in six decades, Argentina found the strength for yet another remarkable comeback, turning what looked like a certain defeat into a memorable victory. Viewers experienced the second semifinal of the world's most-watched sporting event at full intensity, keeping Antena 1 at the top of the ratings for the 35th consecutive day of the tournament. The TV station also set a new audience record last night, both in market share and total viewers, leading the ratings in both Prime Time and across the entire broadcast day.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will see Argentina take on Spain, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY this Sunday at 10:00 PM, while England will face France in the third-place playoff, broadcast exclusively across the Antena universe on Saturday at midnight.

The second semifinal, England vs. Argentina (1-2), broadcast live last night on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY between 10:00 PM and 12:05 AM, ranked first across all audience categories and delivered the highest ratings of the tournament so far. Among viewers aged 21-54, the match achieved a 61.5% market share and 17.2 rating points, far ahead of Pro TV, which posted a 10% market share and 2.8 rating points. The same ranking was recorded among the urban audience, where the match reached a 52.3% market share and 17.1 rating points, compared to Pro TV's 8.1% market share and 2.6 rating points. Nationwide, Antena 1 also led with a 47.3% market share and 15 rating points, followed by Pro TV with a 10.1% market share and 3.2 rating points. During the golden minute, recorded at midnight, nearly three million viewers witnessed Argentina's latest trademark comeback.

Antena 1 also ranked first across the entire day, posting 3.1 rating points and a 30.9% market share, as well as throughout Prime Time (7:00 PM – 12:00 AM), where it achieved 9.5 rating points and a 41.5% market share among viewers aged 21-54.

Defending world champions Argentina defeated England 2-1, despite trailing 1-0 until the 85th minute. The South Americans completed another spectacular comeback, with Enzo Fernández equalizing in the 85th minute after Anthony Gordon had put England ahead in the 55th minute. In stoppage time (90+2), Lautaro Martínez completed the turnaround, sending Argentina into the World Cup final, where they will face Spain. Lionel Messi will play in the third World Cup final of his career, following the finals in 2014 and 2022. The championship match will take place this Sunday at 10:00 PM, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY.

Last night's encounter also marked another historic milestone for Lionel Messi. At 39 years and 21 days old, the former Barcelona star became the oldest outfield player in FIFA World Cup history to appear in a semifinal. England captain Harry Kane also reached a historic landmark, becoming the outfield player with the most appearances for England. The Bayern Munich striker earned his 121st international cap, surpassing Wayne Rooney.

Broadcast live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY this Sunday at 10:00 PM, the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will feature Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi as the reigning continental champions of Europe and South America meet to compete for football's ultimate prize. On Saturday at midnight, England and France will battle for third place, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY.

Ahead of the final, Antena will tell the stories of the two finalists through two special event programs: "The World Cup Story: Spain", airing tonight at 9:00 PM, and "The World Cup Story: Argentina", airing tomorrow at the same time. Viewers will relive each team's complete journey—from the opening whistle of the tournament to the brink of history—through the goals, heroes, and unforgettable moments that kept the world on the edge of its seat. Both specials will air on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY.

Source: Fifty5Blue
Copyright: ARMADATA S.R.L.
Data processed by: Antena Group Research Department
Analysis based on: 21–54 Urban, Urban Total, and National audiences
Period: July 15, 2026