The FIFA World Cup 2026™ set unprecedented records not only on the field but also in broadcast viewership, with beIN SPORTS emerging as a central figure in capturing the attention of fans across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Throughout the 39-day tournament, the region’s premier sports broadcaster achieved a staggering cumulative audience of 6.2 billion, according to independent analysis by Ipsos.
This milestone coincided with a tournament filled with historic firsts: the inaugural 48-team format yielded an all-time high of 308 goals, featured a record number of nine African teams advancing to the knockout stage, and saw participation from eight Arab nations — also a tournament record. These elements helped fuel unprecedented regional interest, culminating in viewership figures that shattered previous benchmarks.
Record-breaking viewership highlights
One of the standout moments came during the final when Spain clinched the World Cup title after Ferran Torres scored in extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium. That match drew an extraordinary audience of 245.4 million viewers across MENA, accounting for 68.6% of the region’s adult population — making it the most-watched broadcast in beIN SPORTS history.
Additionally, the Round of 16 clash where Egypt challenged defending champions Argentina attracted 192.6 million viewers in the region, reflecting the deep engagement of fans with the tournament’s most thrilling encounters.
Beyond traditional broadcasts, beIN SPORTS’ digital presence surged remarkably. The network’s platforms amassed 7.77 billion video views and generated 16.96 billion impressions throughout the competition. This digital growth was complemented by a significant influx of 12.2 million new followers across beIN SPORTS’ social media channels, underscoring the expanding reach and influence of the broadcaster during the World Cup.