FIFA World Cup Group Stage Opening Round Concludes with Another Dominant Ratings Day for Antena 1
The opening round of the FIFA World Cup group stage concluded yesterday with another day in which Antena 1 dominated the television ratings rankings. While Portugal recorded a disappointing result, managing only a draw against DR Congo, England delivered what was arguably the most balanced match of the group stage so far against Croatia, with Harry Kane equaling Garry Lineker’s all-time World Cup goals record for England.
Both matches, along with Argentina vs. Algeria and Iraq vs. Norway, for which audience data became available today, ranked as clear ratings leaders, propelling Antena 1 to the top position both in Prime Time and across the entire broadcast day. The FIFA World Cup now enters its decisive phase, with qualification matches for the Round of 32 set to be broadcast exclusively within the Antena Universe.
During the Group K match between Portugal and DR Congo (7:59 PM – 10:00 PM), Antena 1 was the clear audience leader among viewers aged 21–54 in the commercial target group, recording a 33.3% market share and an average rating of 8.4 points, compared to Pro TV’s 22.7% market share and 5.7 rating points.
The same ranking was maintained among urban viewers, where the broadcast achieved a 25.4% market share and 8.3 rating points, followed by Pro TV with an 18% market share and 5.9 rating points. Nationwide, Antena 1 recorded a 21% market share and 6.6 rating points, ahead of Pro TV’s 19.6% market share and 6.2 rating points. At the peak viewing minute, 9:58 PM, more than 1.6 million viewers were watching the match on Antena 1.
The Group L clash between England and Croatia, broadcast between 10:59 PM and 1:01 AM, was also viewers’ first choice, recording a 37.2% market share among the commercial audience aged 21–54, compared to Pro TV’s 16.2%.
The hierarchy remained unchanged among urban viewers, where the match achieved a 30.8% market share versus Pro TV’s 11.4%, and nationwide, where Antena 1 posted a 25.3% market share compared to Pro TV’s 13.7%. At the peak viewing minute, 11:11 PM, more than 1.1 million viewers were watching the match on Antena 1.
Antena 1 also led the ratings rankings across the entire day, posting 2.7 rating points and a 26.6% market share. Pro TV, in second place, recorded 2 rating points and a 19.5% market share. During Prime Time (7:00 PM – 12:00 AM), Antena 1 maintained its lead with 6.9 rating points and a 30.6% market share, compared to Pro TV’s 4.7 rating points and 20.9% market share.
The previous day’s Argentina vs. Algeria match, broadcast between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM, also topped the ratings rankings, recording a 43.3% market share among viewers aged 21–54, compared to Pro TV’s 11.7%. The same leadership position was maintained across all major audience categories.
Likewise, the Iraq vs. Norway match, aired between 1:01 AM and 3:01 AM, was the leading viewing choice across all audience categories.
A major surprise came in the opening match of Group K, where Portugal could only secure a draw against DR Congo in Houston. With Cristiano Ronaldo starting and playing the full match, Roberto Martínez’s side struggled significantly against the African team, which squandered several major scoring opportunities.
Meanwhile, England vs. Croatia was arguably the most evenly contested match of the group stage so far, despite England eventually securing a 4–2 victory. Harry Kane scored twice in the first half and set another remarkable World Cup milestone. The Bayern Munich striker equaled Garry Lineker’s record of 10 FIFA World Cup goals for the England national team.
FIFA World Cup – Day 8 Schedule
• Czech Republic vs. South Africa – 7:00 PM (Antena 1, AntenaPLAY)
• Switzerland vs. Bosnia – 10:00 PM (Antena 1, AntenaPLAY)
• Canada vs. Qatar – 1:00 AM (Antena 1, AntenaPLAY)
• Mexico vs. South Korea – 4:00 AM (Antena 1, AntenaPLAY)
Source: Fifty5Blue
Copyright: ARMADATA S.R.L.
Data processed by the Antena Group Research Department.
Analysis based on the following target groups: 21–54 Urban, Urban All, and National.
Period: June 17, 2026.
