Google CEO Sundar Pichai has said that the FIFA World Cup 2026 became the most viewed FIFA World Cup ever on YouTube, highlighting the platform’s record-breaking global engagement during the tournament.

According to an ANI report today, Pichai shared the milestone in a post on social media, thanking football fans, creators and partners who helped make the tournament one of YouTube’s biggest sporting events.

According to him, millions of viewers around the world used YouTube to watch match highlights, interviews, analysis, behind-the-scenes videos, fan reactions and other football-related content throughout the competition.

The achievement reflects YouTube’s growing importance as a platform for sports content, where fans increasingly follow major tournaments through official channels, creators and media partners alongside traditional broadcasts.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match in the 106th minute, helping Spain lift the trophy.

The final also drew worldwide attention as it is widely expected to have been Lionel Messi’s last FIFA World Cup appearance.

The tournament generated massive engagement across digital platforms, with fans following match highlights, post-match analysis, player interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes content on YouTube throughout the event.

Google has continued to strengthen YouTube’s position in live sports and sports-related content through partnerships with leagues, broadcasters and creators, allowing fans across the world to stay connected with major sporting events beyond live television broadcasts.