First Team Qualified for the Round of 32, Crushing Results, and New Records Broken on Day 8 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Audience Leader
The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to deliver surprises and set new records in the race for a place in the Round of 32. Broadcast exclusively by Antena, the tournament has maintained its leading position in the ratings rankings. Mexico became the first team to secure qualification for the next stage of the World Cup this morning, while Canada also moved significantly closer to advancing after its emphatic 6–0 victory over Qatar. While audience data for these matches will be available tomorrow, the Group B clash between Switzerland and Bosnia, as well as Ghana vs. Panama, both emerged as market leaders. The World Cup continues today with the battle for qualification to the Round of 32, exclusively on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY.
The Switzerland vs. Bosnia match, played between 10:00 PM and 11:57 PM as part of Group B, was viewers’ top choice, achieving a 31% market share and an average rating of 6.2 points. It was followed by Pro TV, which recorded a 19.3% market share and a 3.8-point rating among the commercial audience aged 21–54.
The same ranking was reflected among urban viewers, where the match achieved a 25% market share and a 6.6-point rating, ahead of Pro TV’s 12.4% market share and 3.3-point rating. Nationwide, Antena 1 also led the rankings with a 21.4% market share and a 5.7-point rating, compared to Pro TV’s 12.9% market share and 3.4-point rating. During the peak minute at 10:43 PM, nearly 1.2 million viewers were watching the match on Antena 1.
The previous day's match between Ghana and Panama (Group L, 1–0) also topped the ratings across all key audience categories, recording a 33.3% market share among the commercial audience aged 21–54. The same hierarchy was maintained across the other major audience segments.
Mexico defeated South Korea 1–0 at Guadalajara Stadium, securing its place in the Round of 32 from Group A. “El Tri” also set new records with its victory over the Asian side.
What was expected to be one of the most spectacular wins of the tournament, Canada’s 6–0 triumph over Qatar, was overshadowed by a serious injury suffered by Ismael Koné, who sustained fractures to both his tibia and fibula.
Also yesterday, Bosnia was comprehensively defeated by Switzerland, 4–1, in a match where all five goals were scored after the 70th minute.
The second round of the World Cup group stage continues, and the United States returns to action following an outstanding start to the tournament, having secured a convincing 4–1 victory over Paraguay in the opening round. The Americans now face another strong performer, Australia, which defeated Turkey.
Day 9 Schedule – 2026 FIFA World Cup
Matches live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY
- United States vs. Australia – 10:00 PM (Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY)
- Scotland vs. Morocco – 1:00 AM (Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY)
- Brazil vs. Haiti – 3:30 AM (Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY)
- Turkey vs. Paraguay – 6:00 AM (Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY)
Source: Fifty5Blue
Copyright: ARMADATA S.R.L.
Data processed by the Antena Group Research Department.
The analysis is based on the following target audiences: Urban 21–54, Urban All, and National.
Period: June 18, 2026.
