A RECORD global audience of 3.4 billion is expected to tune in to at least one match either on TV or the internet, according to a new survey.
Latin America will have the largest number of viewers, followed by the Middle East/Africa, Asia Pacific and then Europe.
The survey of 80 000 internet users across 42 countries found 47% of Europe’s population will see some action, while only 25% watch the Premier League. Globally, 55% of men will tune in along with 37% of women.
Viewing figures are expected to trump those from previous tournaments thanks to the wider global reach of the internet.
The 2014 World Cup in Brazil reached 3.2B with 1 billion watching the final, say organisers FIFA. But the growth of social networking platforms now allows fans in far-flung places to keep up with the action.
YouTube is the favourite medium to watch matches. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram and Twitter are also set to be popular.
The smallest audience will be in North America with less than a quarter of the population expected to tune in after the U.S. failed to qualify.
The survey was conducted by London-based data tech company GlobalWebIndex.
FIFA announced yesterday 1.7 million tickets have been sold – but only 24 000 have gone to England supporters.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is “deeply concerned” about how England fans will be treated in Russia following the diplomatic row over the poisoning of spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury last month.
Among 23 British diplomats kicked out of Russia was the official tasked with looking after fan safety.
