MIAMI - Ashleigh Hallam instructs English learners at a community library in Indiana. Soccer matches are now helping her pick up Spanish as well.

This World Cup has proven ideal for her language goals.

Hallam joins many English speakers across the U.S. who are opting to follow World Cup games on Telemundo in Spanish, despite limited or no grasp of the language. This choice stands out as unexpected to some observers.

"The Telemundo announcers speak Spanish, so I miss parts of the commentary," Hallam noted. "Yet the action on the field remains clear."

Basic demographics explain the trend. About 20 percent of Americans identify as Hispanic per census data, but Telemundo cites Nielsen figures showing nearly half of U.S. World Cup audiences sampled some Spanish-language matches. Every game airs in English on Fox or FS1, in Spanish on Telemundo or Universo, plus streaming via Fox One or Peacock.

Viewers interviewed by The Associated Press highlighted several draws: the signature "¡goooooool!" shout from announcer Andrés Cantor, uninterrupted play without commercial breaks during hydration pauses, livelier presentation overall, and lower cost since Peacock carries Telemundo at a reduced rate compared with Fox One.

Jackson Braunius, originally from Michigan, followed a U.S. match from a Miami Lakes steakhouse bar. He admitted minimal Spanish skills, knowing only "cerveza" as he gestured to his glass, yet enjoyed the Telemundo feed.

"I decoded the pattern," Braunius explained. "Quiet talk means little action. Rising volume signals opportunity. Peak excitement usually means a goal."

Comedian Trevor Noah has streamed World Cup viewing events on YouTube and switched to Spanish feeds, citing the continuous coverage during breaks as key.

"Players discuss tactics on the field. Coaches reveal tension levels. Teammates offer encouragement. These moments define the match," Noah stated during a stream. "Ads erase that tension, joy and buildup. Credit to Telemundo for outstanding presentation."

Telemundo has acknowledged the positive feedback from English speakers and Noah specifically.

Current audience numbers support multiple networks. Strong interest may spark competition for 2030 World Cup rights, with reports suggesting English and Spanish packages could be combined, unlike the current split.

Fox Sports reported a peak of roughly 41 million viewers for the Belgium-U.S. game, calling it the top soccer broadcast in U.S. history. Average viewership exceeded 45 million across Fox and Telemundo, trailing only the Super Bowl's typical 125 million.

William Kennedy in Miami, wed to a Colombian native speaker, knows basic Spanish for dining but often chooses Telemundo. When Colombia played, the household tuned in there; afterward he stayed with the network.

"English announcers leave me unsure which match they describe," Kennedy said. "Spanish excitement builds naturally as voices quicken and rise, signaling key moments even without full comprehension."

Hallam, who uses the tournament to connect with her students, became a soccer enthusiast after her daughter joined a youth league. She studied coaching basics and continued through high school. Now devoted to the sport and Spanish broadcasts, she intends to keep watching post-tournament.

"The experience feels reassuring," Hallam added. "We have enjoyed it and hope it continues. Future World Cups will follow the same approach."

Lamy reported from Indianapolis.