SBS’s FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage once again ruled the overnight ratings, with three matches from the broadcaster’s slate landing inside the top 30 with live coverage of the USA’s Round of 16 exit topping the chart.
The match, already embroiled in controversy, was the night’s biggest draw with a national reach of 2,295,000 and an average audience of 1,190,000.
Belgium cruised through the match, winning 4-1, eliminating co-hosts USA from the tournament and advancing to the quarter-finals despite it having a leg up from US President Trump personally called FIFA president, lobbying to allow Team USA striker Folarin Balogun to play despite receiving a red card in the match prior.
The Portugal v Spain match also cracked the top 5, pulling a national reach of 1,541,000 and an average audience of 694,000. Spain won 1-0, ending Portugal’s tournament and Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup campaign.
Further down, SBS’s replay of the Brazil v Norway match drew a national reach of 735,000 and an average audience of 215,000.
Nine’s Tipping Point Australia climbed back up the rankings, landing in fourth with a national reach of 1,649,000 and an average audience of 902,000.
Seven’s The Chase Australia held firm in the top 10, pulling in a national reach of 1,412,000 and an average audience of 729,000.
Nine’s The Hundred with Andy Lee also featured inside the top 10, with a national reach of 1,333,000 and an average audience of 623,000. Last night’s episode featured panellists Mick Molloy, Denise Scott and Dave Hughes.
Seven’s First Dates Australia had boasted a national reach of 1,323,000 and an average audience of 927,000.
ABC’s Stuff The British Stole also featured, with a national reach of 867,000 and an average audience of 499,000. The episode saw Marc Fennell trace the story of a murder aboard the slave ship Zong.
