Record‑Breaking Cinema Viewership as FIFA 2026 Finals Air in Chinese Theatres

Beijing, July 22 – The final showdown of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played between Argentina and Spain, was the climax of a historic cinema‑based broadcast that ran for 38 days across China. Partnered by China Media Group and China Film Group Corporation, the program turned ordinary movie houses into live‑sports arenas, expanding cultural consumption beyond traditional screens.

The initiative spanned all 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, encompassing 266 cities and more than 1,400 cinema locations. Attendance surged during weekend fixtures and knockout rounds, with many venues reporting tickets sold out within minutes, underscoring the massive demand for this novel viewing experience.