Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup opener draws 4.78 million viewers for SBS – SBS has recorded its biggest audience figures since the introduction of the VOZ ratings system, with the Socceroos’ opening FIFA World Cup 2026 victory over Türkiye attracting a total reach of 4.78 million Australians.
The broadcaster revealed that Australia’s thrilling 2–0 win topped the national television ratings on Sunday, 14 June, making it the third most-watched television event of the year across all free-to-air networks.
Socceroos victory dominates the ratings
According to SBS, the match attracted a Total TV average audience of 3.035 million viewers across linear television and digital streaming platforms, with 41.4 per cent of the audience tuning in via SBS On Demand.
The network’s FIFA World Cup coverage dominated Sunday’s viewing figures, with the Australia v Türkiye post-match coverage reaching 2.893 million viewers and the pre-match programme attracting 2.599 million viewers, giving SBS the top three programmes of the day.
SBS also secured five of the top 10 programmes on Sunday, with Brazil v Morocco ranking seventh with a reach of 1.846 million viewers and Haiti v Scotland placing ninth with a reach of 1.501 million viewers.
Tournament reaches more than eight million Australians
Across the opening three days of FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage, SBS achieved a Total TV Reach of 8.139 million Australians, including 5.431 million viewers on linear television and 3.458 million through SBS On Demand.
SBS Director of Sport Ken Shipp said the response from Australian audiences had been extraordinary.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026™ has delivered an extraordinary opening three days, highlighted by the Socceroos’ magnificent victory in their opening match. The response from Australians has been exceptional, with audience numbers reflecting the excitement, passion and national pride that only a FIFA World Cup™ can inspire.
“Australians have embraced both this historic tournament and the Socceroos’ journey, and that journey is only just beginning. As the biggest FIFA World Cup™ in history, this tournament promises unforgettable moments, dramatic storylines and world-class football on a scale never seen before. SBS is proud to bring Australians every chapter of what is shaping up to be a truly memorable FIFA World Cup™.”
SBS On Demand plays a key role
The figures also highlighted the growing importance of streaming audiences, with more than 41 per cent of viewers choosing SBS On Demand for the Socceroos clash.
The tournament’s next most-watched matches to date were Brazil’s encounter with Morocco, which reached 1.846 million Australians, and USA’s clash with Paraguay, which reached 1.64 million viewers. Both matches saw more than half their audiences watching via SBS On Demand.
SBS is broadcasting the FIFA World Cup 2026 live, free and exclusive across SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand until 20 July.
Media Release – SBS
Link to SBS on Demand HERE
TV Central Football content HERE
Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup opener draws 4.78 million viewers for SBS
