5.1 million viewers (i.e. more than 31% audience share) watched the opening match of the 2022 World Cup between host country Qatar and Ecuador (0-2), broadcast at 5 p.m. on TF1 Sunday, November 20, according to figures from Médiamétrie published the next day.
While the World Cup in Qatar had been the subject calls for a boycott before its start, this audience is higher than that of the opening match of the 2018 World Cup (Russia / Saudi Arabia), which had attracted just under 4 million viewers on TF1. Four years ago, however, the opening match took place during the week (a Thursday at 5 p.m.) and not on the weekend.
On target, the match achieved 56% audience share of 4-14 years old, 55% of 15-34 years old, 32% on Frda-50, 42% on 25-49 years old and 52% on men 25 -49 years old, TF1 stated on Twitter, free-to-air broadcaster of the competition, also broadcast on beIN Sports.
Before the match, the opening ceremony of the competition, broadcast from approximately 3:30 p.m. to 4:10 p.m., was watched on TF1 by 4.2 million viewers (29.4% audience share).
The France team enters the competition this Tuesday, November 22, against Australia.