Kansas City was the nation’s top TV market for Team USA opener at World Cup
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Nearly 16 million viewers watched the United States Men’s National Team defeat Paraguay.
- Kansas City was the No. 1 TV market with about 9.2% of TV households tuning in.
- Boston ranked second at 8.6% while Dallas, San Diego and St. Louis each hit 7.3%.
Soccer fans across the country watched in record numbers as the United States Men’s National Team defeated Paraguay 4-1 in its first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday.
Nearly 16 million viewers tuned in for the game, according to FOX Sports. Those numbers made it the most-watched Team USA telecast in history.
A large chunk of those eyeballs were located in Kansas City.
Kansas City was the No. 1 TV market in the country for the impressive USMNT victory at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Approximately 9.2% of all TV households in the KC area tuned into the match. That ratings number came in ahead of No. 2 Boston at 8.6%. Three other cities (Dallas, San Diego and St. Louis) all delivered 7.3% to round out the top 5.
There is apparently a lot of soccer interest in the state of Missouri for this World Cup.
Kansas City delivering strong TV numbers for the World Cup is not a surprise. Four teams have set up base camp in Kansas City during the tournament. Locals flocked to watch parties for the USA vs. Paraguay match, including at Power & Light.
There are many reasons why Kansas City considers itself the “Soccer Capital of America.” Add good TV ratings to the list.