Average of 1.37 million viewers watched Irish World Cup heartbreak on RTÉ2
Over one million streams on RTÉ Player
Highest number of streams for any single event on RTÉ Player ever
TV audience peaks at 1.6 million on RTÉ2
The Republic of Ireland’s FIFA World Cup Play-Off penalty shoot-out defeat to Czechia last night in Prague drew record numbers to RTÉ’s coverage on television and on RTÉ Player.
RTÉ2’s coverage was watched by an average of 1.37 million viewers accounting for 78% of those watching television at the time, making it the most-watched programme of the year so far on TV in Ireland.
Viewing peaked at 1.6 million at 10.34pm just as Czechia sealed victory with the winning penalty.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off attracted 1,059,000 streams on RTÉ Player, the highest number of streams for any single event on RTÉ Player ever.
RTÉ Radio 1 also saw a huge lift in its digital listening last night. The key 8pm-10pm daypart was up 120% for listeners versus the previous day (Wed 25th March). Post 10pm also saw huge increases, with gains of 268% versus the previous day (10pm-midnight).
RTÉ’s social media output around the World Cup Qualifier delivered exceptionally strong results across Sport, Radio 1, RTÉ2, 2FM, Player, RTÉ Kids and the Late Late Show channels. Top‑performing content featured a strong mix of editorial clips, fan reaction, user‑generated content and match imagery, resonating strongly with audiences. The key highlights on social media include:
- 24.4 million content impressions across all platforms
- 13.34 million video views, including 7.65 million on Instagram
- 1.24 million total engagements
-ENDS-
Friday 27 March, 2026
TV figures – TAM Ireland/Nielsen
RTÉ Player figures – Piano Analytics
TV Glossary –
Average Audience
The average audience is calculated based on the average number of viewers that were tuned in across the duration of the show.
Share
The percentage of the total viewing audience watching over a given period of time.
Further Information – Fergus McCormack, Commucications Lead
