The best way to watch the World Cup is in Spanish
Why Spanish-Language Broadcasts Are Capturing American Soccer Fans
The best way to watch the World – Telemundo’s World Cup coverage has experienced remarkable growth, drawing audiences far beyond its traditional Latin American demographic. The network recently announced viewership numbers exceeding twice what it achieved during the 2022 Qatar tournament. This surge represents more than just casual interest—it signals a fundamental shift in how American sports fans consume international soccer.
A New Generation of Viewers
Giovanni Canales represents this evolving audience. The 24-year-old Rhode Island resident grew up watching matches through Telemundo’s energetic broadcasts, even though Spanish isn’t his primary language. His father’s career with Honduras’s national team exposed him to soccer culture early on. Canales describes the network’s commentators as speaking their own language—one that accelerates naturally as gameplay intensifies. He doesn’t need to watch constantly to follow the action.
“Sometimes I just doze off if it’s in English,” Canales explained.
His experience mirrors that of many American soccer enthusiasts who have discovered the appeal of Spanish-language commentary. The passion and rhythm of the broadcasts create an atmosphere that transcends language barriers.
Breaking Beyond Cultural Boundaries
Meghan Dyer Pavs, a former elementary school educator living near Worcester, Massachusetts, has become something of a Telemundo evangelist. She has successfully converted her husband, children, and even a college roommate to the Spanish-language broadcast. Dyer Pavs describes Telemundo’s coverage as “the best thing in American culture right now.”
Her enthusiasm extends beyond personal preference. As someone who studied Spanish in college, she values the opportunity to practice her language skills while enjoying the game. More importantly, she sees it as a way to share Latin American soccer traditions with her children—ages eight and eleven. She finds the passionate commentary particularly engaging for young viewers.
“I talk to parents who think that in order to expose them to other cultures, we have to take a $1,000 flight to Paris or whatever,” she said. “But this is American culture. It’s just a different version of American culture on your TV.”
Record-Breaking Numbers
The July 5 contest between Mexico and England demonstrated Telemundo’s expanding reach. According to Variety, the match attracted 23.2 million viewers, setting a network record. Fox Sports, holding English-language rights, drew approximately 21.7 million for the same game. While Fox typically maintains higher viewership for matches without Latin American connections, the gap has narrowed considerably.
Comedian Trevor Noah has publicly endorsed Telemundo’s coverage, calling it “the best coverage in town.” His endorsement adds credibility among viewers who might otherwise overlook Spanish-language broadcasts.
Strategic Expansion
Telemundo’s success hasn’t happened by accident. The network deliberately targeted non-Spanish speakers months before the tournament began. A Super Bowl commercial featuring Owen Wilson captured this strategy perfectly—the actor appeared completely captivated by the commentators’ enthusiasm. During the France-Sweden match, one announcer briefly switched to English to acknowledge viewers who don’t speak Spanish.
This intentional outreach has paid dividends. Socceria, a Brooklyn cantina owned by Tania Apolinar from Torreón, Mexico, now streams approximately 95% of matches in Spanish. Apolinar admits they occasionally try Fox for games without Spanish-speaking teams, but usually regret the decision.
“It’s more fun on Telemundo,” she said.
Viewing Experience and Business Considerations
Serious soccer enthusiasts appreciate that Telemundo avoids commercial breaks during hydration periods—known to regular viewers as “las pausas de hidratación.” This allows fans to witness crucial moments of tension between players and coaches without interruption.
Some viewers also cite political preferences, noting a general dislike for Fox Sports analyst Alexi Lalas and his support for President Donald Trump. Budget considerations play a role as well. Fox Sports requires either a cable package, YouTube TV subscription, or a standalone $19.99 monthly fee. Peacock offers live sports through various subscription tiers.
The competition between networks has become significant enough that FIFA is reportedly considering bundling English and Spanish American rights for future tournaments. This potential move could reshape how international soccer reaches American audiences for years to come.
