SBS Scores 2.69 Million Viewers for FIFA World Cup Final

Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) capped off a major tournament broadcast run after attracting an average audience of 2.69 million Australians who tuned in early yesterday morning to watch Spain secure victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The digital streaming figures played a pivotal role in the broadcast’s success, with 1.52 million viewers tuning in via SBS on Demand, outperforming the 1.17 million viewers recorded on linear television.

While the highest individual tournament audience overall remained a Socceroos versus Paraguay fixture which drew 3.09 million viewers, the final’s viewership metrics reinforced a massive win for public broadcaster coverage.

Across the wider television landscape during primetime, Seven News dominated with 1.6 million viewers, anchoring a strong night that saw Home & Away top entertainment programming at 981,000. Nine News followed with 1.39 million viewers alongside slot wins for A Current Affair at 1.06 million and Tipping Point at 881,000, while ABC News registered 978,000 viewers.

In the competitive entertainment slots, Nine’s Travel Guides won its respective timeslot with 898,000 viewers, outranking the ABC’s 7:30 at 877,000, Seven’s The Chase special at 800,000, MasterChef Australia at 720,000, and Australian Story at 615,000. Later in the evening, Have You Been Paying Attention? led its late-night slot with 806,000 viewers, ahead of Four Corners at 595,000 and Media Watch at 562,000.

Morning breakfast television ratings were visibly impacted by early-morning tournament competition, with Sunrise recording 387,000 viewers, Today posting 198,000, and ABC’s News Breakfast pulling in 165,000.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.