SBS, which has been home to the World Cup for 32 years, incorporated a diversified approach to its coverage and content across all platforms during Russia 2018.
Digital coverage reached new heights with The World Game website attracting 4.2 million unique visitors throughout the tournament, as well as keeping fans up to date with every must-see moment across Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat.
"SBS has been the home of the World Cup for 32 years, and we’re incredibly proud to have delivered Australian audiences another month of elite football with expert analysis from SBS’ renowned team of on-air talent," SBS Director of Sport Ken Shipp said.
"I must acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our team at SBS here in Australia and on the ground in
Russia, including hosts Lucy Zelic and Craig Foster, in delivering four weeks of world class football
coverage as part of what is arguably one of the great feats in sports broadcasting."
The World Cup final reached 882,000 (Metro + Regional) Australians as France defeated Croatia 4-2 in an action-packed six-goal thriller.
Meanwhile, a tournament-high reach of 3.4 million (Metro + Regional) witnessed the Socceroos' 2-1 loss to the eventual champions in the group stage.
SBS CEO and Managing Director Michael Ebeid said the World Cup success was yet another example of just why SBS remains the "spiritual home" of football in Australia.
"The FIFA World Cup is a wonderful example of the inclusive ability of sport to unite diverse communities and we’re thrilled that so many Australians tuned in to SBS’ trusted coverage of the 2018 tournament in Russia," Ebeid said.
"The past four weeks have truly showcased SBS as Australia’s spiritual home of football and we are proud to have brought Australians the most comprehensive multi-platform coverage of any sporting event we’ve delivered to date across television, radio and digital platforms."
