MIAMI – Meet Ashleigh Hallam, an English teacher who is using the excitement of the World Cup to learn Spanish through soccer. For her, this World Cup experience is not only about the games but also about connecting with a new language and culture.
Interestingly, many English-speaking viewers in the U.S. are tuning in to watch World Cup matches on Telemundo, the Spanish-language network. Despite not fully understanding the commentary, they are drawn to the excitement and energy of the broadcasts.
According to census data, about 20% of the U.S. population identifies as Hispanic. However, Telemundo’s Nielsen ratings indicate that around half of World Cup viewers in the U.S. have watched at least some matches in Spanish. This trend highlights the growing popularity of soccer in America.
Why are viewers making this switch? Many cite the legendary broadcaster Andrés Cantor’s famous “¡goooooool!” call as a highlight. Others appreciate that Telemundo doesn’t cut away for commercials during hydration breaks, which has become a major talking point among fans.
Soccer has a unique way of transcending language barriers. For instance, Jackson Braunius from Michigan, who speaks almost no Spanish, figured out how to follow the game by paying attention to the broadcasters’ energy levels. “When they get loud, there’s a chance. When they get real loud, it’s probably going to be a goal,” he explained.
Comedian Trevor Noah has also jumped on this trend. He hosts World Cup watch parties on YouTube and prefers the Spanish-language feeds, emphasizing that they provide a more immersive experience without commercial interruptions.
Telemundo has received praise for its engaging coverage, and the network appreciates the support from English-speaking viewers like Noah. The positive response suggests a bright future for Spanish-language broadcasts in the U.S.
This World Cup has set viewership records, with Fox reporting that the Belgium-U.S. match peaked at around 41 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched soccer broadcasts in U.S. history. The combined viewership on both Fox and Telemundo showcases the growing interest in soccer among American audiences.
William Kennedy, a Miami resident married to a Colombian, shared his experience of watching the games on Telemundo, even with limited Spanish skills. He finds that the Spanish commentary adds to the excitement of the matches, making it an enjoyable experience regardless of his language barriers.
For Ashleigh Hallam, the World Cup has been a bonding experience with her Spanish-speaking students. Her journey into soccer began when her daughter wanted to join a league, and now she plans to continue watching Spanish broadcasts even after the tournament ends. “It’s just very comforting,” she said. “We’re really enjoying it, and I hope we get to continue.”
With the growing popularity of soccer and the increasing interest in Spanish-language broadcasts, it seems like viewers from all backgrounds are finding joy in this global sport. The World Cup not only unites fans but also bridges cultural and linguistic divides.
___
Lamy reported from Indianapolis.
___
See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here
