Both South Korea and KBS laughed..For five days since the World Cup opening, it remained the 'number one in viewership'

*This content was translated by AI.

KBS is fully enjoying the effect of securing the broadcasting rights for the '2026 FIFA North American World Cup'.

The first match of Group G of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, which KBS broadcast live exclusively on terrestrial television, was held at 10 a.m. on the 16th (Korean time) between Iran and New Zealand, recording a national viewership rate of 1.9% (based on Nielsen Korea standards), demonstrating the steady interest of the nation toward this tournament. The peak viewership in Bundang reached 3.0%, and the 2049 viewership rate also stood at 0.4%, securing the number one spot in the same time slot.

Joining the KBS broadcast team for the first time in this World Cup, commentator Kim Shin-wook, dubbed a 'growth-type commentator', took on the commentary duties for the Iran vs. New Zealand match. He shared his experiences from his national team days, stating, "During my playing days, I felt Iran was strong in 'second ball' battles. They are excellent at predicting and are tough in matches where players fight and collide." As he predicted, physical battles unfolded, leading to a tense contest. Iran and New Zealand eventually drew 2-2 after a chaotic match. Commentator Kim Shin-wook, who employed commentary designed to induce immersion, remarked, "It felt like I was inside the stadium, so I could speak more enjoyably."

Meanwhile, the Group G first match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, held on the same day, also ended in a 1-1 draw, with KBS securing the number one spot nationally with a 1.5% viewership rate for this match as well. The match between Egypt, challenging for their first-ever victory, and powerhouse Belgium also ended in a 1-1 draw. Additionally, the tournament favorite Spain failed to score against Cape Verde, the first team to qualify for the World Cup, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Consequently, all matches held on the 16th concluded as draws.

KBS will exclusively broadcast all matches of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, which runs until July 19, on terrestrial television. The South Korean national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, following their victory against the Czech Republic, will face Mexico at 10 a.m. on the 19th (Korean time) and South Africa at 10 a.m. on the 25th in the group stage.

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*This content was translated by AI.