French broadcaster M6 has reported record-breaking viewership for its coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicked off on June 11, 2026. The channel is airing 54 of the 104 matches in clear, free-to-air television, drawing significant audiences across France.
According to Guillaume Charles, director of programming at M6, the network has seen historic ratings since the start of the competition. While specific viewership figures were not immediately available, Charles stated that a French viewer out of every two has tuned in at least once, highlighting the widespread appeal of the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament has been held across three nations. M6's coverage includes key matches featuring the French national team, which began its campaign on June 15 with a 2-1 victory over Australia.
The strong ratings come as M6 competes with other broadcasters, including TF1 and beIN Sports, for World Cup audiences. The channel's decision to broadcast a majority of matches in clear has been credited with boosting viewership, particularly among casual fans.
