Telemundo announcer Andrés Cantor said the recent World Cup significantly boosted the popularity of soccer across the United States.
This growth indicates a shift in the American sporting landscape, as the tournament's reach suggests a permanent increase in the sport's domestic footprint.
Speaking with CNBC Sport, Cantor said the massive scale of the event's reach. He noted that the combined U.S. audience for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina reached 66 million viewers [1]. This viewership milestone underscores the commercial and cultural viability of the sport in the U.S. market.
Beyond the statistics, Cantor said opposition to a recent disciplinary ruling by FIFA. He criticized the decision to overturn a red card given to Folarin Balogun, describing the reversal as unfair. The announcer said that such inconsistencies in officiating and discipline can undermine the integrity of the game.
Cantor also reflected on the emotional high points of the tournament. He recalled the atmosphere surrounding Lionel Messi’s equalizing goal against Egypt on July 7, 2026 [2] — a moment that defined the tournament's early energy for many fans.
Looking toward the future, Cantor said the upcoming bidding process for media rights for future tournaments. He suggested that the current surge in interest will likely drive higher valuations as networks compete for the rights to broadcast the sport to an expanding American audience.
Throughout the interview, Cantor said that the momentum from the World Cup must be sustained to ensure soccer's long-term growth in the U.S. He noted that the visibility provided by the event creates a unique window for league expansion, and youth development.
“The combined U.S. audience for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina reached 66 million viewers.”
The massive viewership numbers and the public critique of FIFA by a prominent voice like Cantor highlight a maturing soccer market in the U.S. As the sport transitions from a niche interest to a mainstream powerhouse, the demand for transparency in officiating and the value of broadcasting rights are expected to rise, putting more pressure on FIFA to maintain consistent disciplinary standards.
