The controversial World Cup in Qatar has started. The opening game between the host team and Ecuador (0:2) met with little spectator interest by World Cup standards. 6.21 million fans watched the game live on ZDF late Sunday afternoon, according to "AGF Videoforschung". This corresponds to a market share of 28.2 percent. The opening match of the 2018 World Cup in Russia between the host team and Saudi Arabia saw a little more than ten million fans, as "DWDL" reports. At that time, the rate was 52 percent. This game could also be seen in Germany late on Sunday afternoon.

In addition, only 1.64 million viewers between the ages of 14 and 49 watched the kick-off in the desert state. This corresponds to a market share of 33 percent. The opening match of the World Cup in Russia four years ago was watched by 3.3 million viewers in this age group, for a market share of over 50 percent at the time. The opening game between Qatar and Ecuador was also broadcast live on the MagentaTV streaming service. MagentaTV does not announce exact viewing figures.

The clear winner of the day in the TV ratings was "Tatort: ​​Katz und Maus" on Sunday. 9.25 million people tuned in for a market share of 29.8 percent. 1.96 million viewers between the ages of 14 and 49 saw the new Dresden crime scene - a market share of 25.4 percent. And the "Dream Ship" on ZDF was almost on a par with the start of the World Cup in Qatar. Florian Silbereisen's (41) dog sled adventure was followed by 6.14 million pairs of eyes on ZDF on Sunday evening.