Spain, the First Finalist of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Keeps Antena 1 the Ratings Leader on Day 34

Tonight at 10:00 PM, England and Argentina Battle for a Place in the Final, Live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY

Last night, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY, France and Spain once again proved why football is more than just a sport. It is about dreams, sacrifice, tears, and moments that bring time to a standstill for millions of people around the world. In a semifinal where every duel carried enormous weight, every pass embodied a nation's hopes, and every goal changed destinies, only one team could move forward. Spain secured its place in the grand final, while France exited the tournament with its head held high after a campaign defined by ambition and character. The first semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup also kept Antena 1 at the top of the ratings rankings for the 34th consecutive day of the competition.

Tonight, from 10:00 PM, history will be rewritten after 40 years, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY. Bellingham, Kane, and a trophy-hungry England face the reigning world champions, Argentina, led by Messi and backed by a remarkable list of records. The ultimate dream is closer than ever.

The first semifinal, France vs. Spain (0–2), broadcast live last night on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY between 10:00 PM and 12:01 AM, also topped the ratings across all audience categories. Among viewers aged 21–54 in the commercial demographic, the match achieved a 58.8% audience share and a 17.2% rating, well ahead of Pro TV, which recorded a 15.2% audience share and a 4.5% rating. Antena 1 also led among urban viewers, posting a 50.5% audience share and a 17.0% rating, compared to Pro TV's 11.4% audience share. Nationwide, Antena 1 maintained its leadership with a 44.8% audience share and a 15.0% rating, followed by Pro TV with an 11.9% audience share. During the "golden minute" at 10:51 PM, more than 2.9 million viewers were following the drama of the FIFA World Cup.

Antena 1 also ranked first throughout the entire day, recording a 3.0% rating and a 29.1% audience share, as well as during the entire Prime Time slot (7:00 PM – 12:00 AM), with a 9.0% rating and a 39.0% audience share among viewers aged 21–54 in the commercial demographic.

Last night, Spain qualified for the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating France 2–0 at Dallas Stadium, fittingly on France's National Day, in the first semifinal of the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The European champions delivered a flawless performance, leaving France with no chance on one of the most symbolic days of its calendar. Mikel Oyarzabal (22', penalty) and Pedro Porro (58') scored for Spain, which will play in its second FIFA World Cup final after lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010. Spain will face the winner of tonight's Argentina vs. England semifinal in the final on July 19 at 10:00 PM, while France will take on the losing side in the third-place playoff on July 18 at 12:00 AM, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY.

Although he was unable to guide his team to the final, last night's match marked a special milestone for Kylian Mbappé, who became the outright record-holder for the most FIFA World Cup appearances in the history of the French national team. The Real Madrid forward made his 21st World Cup appearance, surpassing Hugo Lloris at the top of France's all-time list. Furthermore, in his 18 World Cup starts, Mbappé boasts an extraordinary record: 17 victories and one draw. Another record was also set last night by Didier Deschamps, who became the coach with the most matches managed in FIFA World Cup history. With 26 games, he surpassed Germany's Helmut Schön.

Tonight, from 10:00 PM, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY, England and Argentina will battle for the final ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. As throughout the remainder of the tournament, AntenaPLAY users will continue to enjoy Match Buddy, featuring multiple camera angles, live statistics, and real-time insights, providing an even more immersive viewing experience and deeper coverage of the match's key moments.

Source: Fifty5Blue
Copyright: ARMADATA S.R.L.
Data processed by: Antena Group Research Department
Analysis based on the following target audiences: Urban 21–54, Urban Total, and National
Reporting period: July 14, 2026