The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) recorded strong nationwide audience ratings for its live coverage of South Korea’s FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match against South Africa, highlighting the continued importance of free-to-air broadcasting for major sporting events.

According to Nielsen Korea, the match attracted a nationwide viewership rating of **13.8%**, making it one of the highest-rated television programmes of the day. The strong audience performance reflects widespread public interest in the national team’s World Cup campaign and reinforces KBS’s role as a trusted broadcaster of major international sporting events.

The result also underscores the enduring appeal of live sports on public television, with audiences continuing to turn to KBS for comprehensive coverage of significant national and international events. As the FIFA World Cup progresses, KBS remains a key platform for bringing the tournament to viewers across South Korea through its extensive live broadcasts and sports programming.