By Elsa Keslassy, K.J. Yossman, John Hopewell, Nick Vivarelli
Getty Images The 2026 FIFA World Cup once again demonstrated the value of home-team interest to broadcasters, with television audiences across Europe skyrocketing when national teams were still alive in the tournament before declining after their elimination. Yet, fans still turned up in force for the July 19 final opposing Spain to Argentina, proving that while national pride drives the biggest spikes, a good World Cup can stand on its own as not just a powerful live television event, but a cultural one as well.
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