More than 11.6 million Australians have tuned into SBS’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ broadcast over the first nine days at venues and homes across Australia.
More than 3.4 million people watched the Socceroos’ 2-0 loss to the host nation USA early on 20 June, rising before dawn to watch the match.
World Cup matches have consistently ranked in the top 10 programs of the day since the tournament began on 12 June (Australian time). So far, 18 matches have reached more than one million viewers each. Cumulative Total TV reach for the tournament is now at more than 11.67 million, with four weeks still to go.
The broadcast has struck a particular chord with younger viewers, ranking No.1 for eight of the nine days leading up to Sunday in the 16-39 age group. On Saturday (20 June), SBS had the entire top 10 programs for that age group.
SBS Director of Sport Ken Shipp said: “More than 11.6 million Australians have already tuned in to SBS’s coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, underlining the extraordinary appeal of both this historic tournament and the Socceroos’ campaign. These audience figures demonstrate the strong connection Australians have formed with a young and exciting team competing on football’s biggest stage.
“As the biggest FIFA World Cup™ in history gathers momentum, SBS is proud to be bringing Australians every unforgettable moment, dramatic storyline and world-class performance. The tournament still has many chapters to be written, and we look forward to sharing every step of the journey with Australians as the excitement continues to build.”
The Sydney Morning Herald is predicting Sydney will grind to a halt on Friday when Australia takes on Paraguay in their final World Cup group stage match, “with bosses urged to embrace football fever or face a plague of World Cup cough”.
Football Supporters Association of Australia chair Patrick Clancy invoked Bob Hawke’s famous quote: “Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up to work on Friday afternoon is a bum”.
“I think employers should show some degree of leniency to people who want to take in the World Cup at work or outside of work. It’s a huge match and I’m sure many bosses will be keen to watch as well.”
Business Western Sydney has had to alter its run sheet for its post-budget lunch with Treasurer Daniel Mookhey so he speaks at half-time.
Executive director David Borger said: “I think some people will be keeping one eye on the treasurer and one eye out the window to see the crowd reaction. I think it’s going to go off, and they’re going to scream so loudly that you’ll be able to hear them through the 50-storey office blocks in Parramatta Square.”
Business Sydney has urged employers across Greater Sydney to bring their teams together and get behind the Socceroos this Friday by hosting workplace viewing events or supporting local restaurants, pubs, clubs, casinos and cafés screening the match.
Executive Director of Business Sydney Paul Nicolaou said: “Major sporting events have a unique ability to unite workplaces and communities, and the message will get through loud and clear to the Socceroos that we are all backing them.
“Few things bring Australians together like the Socceroos competing on the world stage and this Friday presents a fantastic opportunity for businesses to share in that excitement and to give the hospitality sector a much-needed boost in the process.
“We encourage employers to consider hosting lunchtime screenings, team gatherings or flexible arrangements that allow staff to enjoy this important national moment together.
“At the same time, we encourage businesses to support their local pubs, clubs, casinos and cafés, which are an important part of Sydney’s social and economic fabric and will be helping create a fantastic atmosphere for supporters.
Chef and restauranteur Luke Mangan said: “Major sporting events are good for workplace culture, good for team engagement and good for local businesses. This is a chance for Sydney to come together and show its support for the green and gold.
“Major sporting moments like the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign create a fantastic atmosphere across Sydney and provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate as a community.
“We encourage businesses to support their teams and, where possible, enjoy the match at their local restaurants, pub, club, café or hospitality venue. These events not only bring people together but also provide a welcome boost for local businesses and the broader visitor economy.”
Socceroos fan hotspot The Sackville Hotel (renamed The Sacky-Roos for the World Cup) in Rozelle is expecting up to 1000 people to turn up for the game.
General Manager Oban Seex told the SMH: “It’s a Socceroos long weekend. I think that there probably would be a few people who are chucking sickies, or maybe that they’ve just got a bit of the Socceroos fever that’s going about.
“I wouldn’t necessarily be encouraging people to call in sick. But I think there’s going to be a lot of work from home, or maybe a bit of work from the pub kind of energy.”
Disappointment over Queensland restrictions
The Courier Mail has reported that the Socceroos knockout showdown will leave Queensland soccer fans as the only ones in the country denied an early-morning tipple to celebrate, as the Queensland Government has refused to relax liquor trading laws.
NSW Gaming Minister David Harris said: “The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event on the planet and extended trading means fans can get together and enjoy the beautiful game at their local, which is not only great for them but a vital boost to our hospitality industry.
“It also makes for a great vibe in the heart of Sydney, with thousands of fans gathering to watch the world game in our global city. In the other, oval-ball footy code, the State of Origin winner is still to be decided on the field … but when it comes to vibrancy off it, I think it’s fair to say NSW has already claimed the shield.”
Australian Venue Co COO Craig Ellison said it was “frustrating” the Queensland Government would not adjust its trading policy and called for a trial ahead of the Brisbane Olympics.
“In our venues in every other state, the fans could come out in force, but not Queensland, which is pretty frustrating,” he said.
“We should be willing to give it a test and see.”