The 1-1 draw between Brazil and Morocco at the FIFA 2026 World Cup has reportedly set a major television milestone, becoming the most-watched World Cup group-stage match ever on English-language television in the United States, according to FOX Sports.
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The Group C encounter drew an average audience of 10.019 million viewers, more than triple the average for non-US group-stage matches at the 2022 World Cup.
Massive peak audience recorded
Broadcast data showed the match peaked at 13.119 million viewers between 7:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET, reflecting strong interest in two of the tournament’s most globally supported teams.
Overall viewership was up 212 percent compared to the 2022 average of 3.21 million viewers for similar fixtures.
Saibari and Vinicius Junior on target
The highly anticipated clash lived up to expectations on the pitch, with Morocco striking first through Ismael Saibari in the 21st minute after a bright and assertive opening spell.
Brazil responded 11 minutes later when Vinicius Junior levelled the contest, ensuring both sides went into half-time locked at 1-1.
Tactical battle ends in stalemate
The second half produced an intense tactical battle, with both teams creating chances but unable to find a winning goal.
Morocco impressed with their organisation, defensive discipline and threat on the counterattack, while also matching Brazil’s attacking intensity for long spells.
Many observers praised the Atlas Lions for another composed performance on the global stage, with some suggesting they could have taken all three points against the five-time world champions.
The result ensured a share of the spoils in one of the most-watched early fixtures of the tournament, underlining the growing global appeal of the FIFA World Cup.
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