ABC's broadcast of three matches in the 2006 FIFA World Cup opening weekend from Germany delivered an average 2.8 rating based on overnight ratings in the metered markets. This is 65% higher than the 1.7 average rating for the network's two matches in the opening weekend of the 2002 World Cup.
Saturday's 9 a.m. ET broadcast of the England vs. Paraguay match posted a 2.7 overnight rating, 93% higher than a 1.4 rating in 2002, the network's first 2002 World Cup match on Saturday, June 1 — Ireland vs. Cameroon.
Sunday's 11:30 a.m. broadcast of Mexico's 3-1 win over Iran earned a 2.7 rating, 42% higher than the 1.9 rating for a comparable 2002 World Cup first-round match – Sweden vs. England — Sunday, June 2.
Saturday's scoreless Trinidad & Tobago vs. Sweden match at 12 noon delivered a 2.9 rating (There was no other match from Saturday in the 2002 World Cup opening weekend for comparison).