[Saba Sports News] According to French media, an average of around 12.2 million French viewers tuned in to watch France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay on channel M6. The broadcaster confirmed that the match set an all-time viewership record for any programme aired after 23:00 local time. It marks a landmark ratings milestone for M6. The channel stated that the fixture between Paraguay and France drew an average audience of 12.2 million people, a figure unprecedented for post-11 p.m. broadcasts, with a market share of 76%. M6 holds exclusive free-to-air broadcast rights for the 2026 World Cup in France. Back in March 2024, the M6 Group secured the broadcasting rights for both the 2026 and 2030 World Cups, snatching the deal from long-time holder TF1. The move came as a surprise at the time, as TF1 deemed the rights fee excessively high. Unconfirmed figures cited by media outlets put the 2026 World Cup broadcast rights fee at 120 million euros, with M6 acquiring the rights to air 54 out of the tournament’s total 104 matches.
The editor believes that M6 Group stated in early May that the channel would operate at a loss on this tournament, yet it represents an absolutely extraordinary promotional platform. Since then, World Cup broadcasts have driven M6 to record-breaking ratings throughout June, overtaking France 3 to climb into the position of France’s third most-watched television channel nationwide.