In a week when the 2026 FIFA World Cup turned American television into a soccer spectacle, CBS’s long-running news magazine 60 Minutes Presents emerged as the most-watched non-sports program in the United States. According to the latest Hollywood Reporter charts covering the week of June 22, the program drew 5 million viewers, outpacing every other regular series outside the global sporting event.
The tournament’s grip on the top 10 was overwhelming. Eight of the ten highest-rated telecasts were World Cup matches or related programming. The only other non-World Cup entry to crack the list was NBC’s America’s Got Talent, which also averaged 5 million viewers. Sports ruled the airwaves, led by a thrilling Group D clash between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Türkiye that attracted 21 million viewers.
The World Cup’s dominance reflects the massive boost from hosting the tournament on North American soil for the first time since 1994. With matches in convenient time zones and the U.S. team competing in prime time, viewership has shattered previous records. U.S. group-stage matches averaged 17.1 million viewers on Fox alone, with combined English- and Spanish-language audiences (including Telemundo and Peacock) reaching as high as 24.16 million for key games.
This level of engagement has pushed nearly every other primetime offering into the background. Reality competitions, dramas, and even other news programs struggled to compete with the excitement of live soccer, national pride, and dramatic comebacks. Yet 60 Minutes Presents held its ground, proving that audiences still turn to trusted journalism when seeking substance amid the athletic frenzy.
The program’s performance is particularly notable given the broader media landscape. In an era of fragmented viewing habits, cord-cutting, and endless streaming options, a traditional broadcast news magazine maintaining 5 million viewers during one of the biggest sporting events in U.S. history speaks to its enduring brand strength and loyal audience base. Segments likely covering international affairs, investigative reports, and timely profiles offered viewers an alternative to the nonstop World Cup coverage.
America’s Got Talent on NBC performed similarly, tying 60 Minutes Presents at 5 million viewers. The talent competition’s consistent draw demonstrates that feel-good entertainment can still carve out space even when sports dominate the conversation. Both shows benefited from established fan bases and strong scheduling, but their numbers highlight how challenging it is for non-sports content to break through during a World Cup hosted in the U.S.
For CBS, the 5 million viewer mark for 60 Minutes Presents represents a strong showing in a difficult week. The network has long relied on the program’s prestige and consistent performance to anchor its Sunday lineup. Maintaining that audience during World Cup fever underscores the value of high-quality, appointment-style television that transcends fleeting trends.
As the tournament moves into the knockout stages, World Cup matches are expected to continue setting viewership benchmarks. Yet the resilience of programs like 60 Minutes Presents and America’s Got Talent offers a reminder that American audiences have diverse interests. Even as millions gather to watch the U.S. team chase history, millions more seek news, storytelling, and entertainment that connect on different levels.
The Hollywood Reporter’s charts paint a clear picture: the World Cup is the undisputed king of television right now. But in its shadow, established hits like 60 Minutes Presents continue to deliver for networks and advertisers alike. With the tournament still unfolding and knockout drama on the horizon, the battle for viewers will remain intense—but quality programming has shown it can still compete.
Television executives across networks are closely watching these numbers as they plan fall schedules and negotiate advertising rates. The World Cup’s impact will likely influence strategy well beyond the final whistle, reminding the industry of the power of live, shared national moments while highlighting the staying power of flagship series that have served audiences for decades.
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