Brazil digital antenna sales surge ahead of World Cup matches

Sales of digital TV antennas in Brazil jumped sharply as the 2022 World Cup approached. Shopee data shows a 250 % increase in sales between May and June, with a 170 % rise in online searches for the devices during the same period. The demand spiked threefold in the days leading up to Brazil’s friendly against Egypt on 6 June, compared with the previous year, and continued to climb after the national team’s first tournament match on 13 June, with sales rising more than 20 %.

The surge reflects fans’ desire to avoid the playback delay typical of streaming services, which can range from a few seconds to half a minute, and to prevent spoilers from neighbors or social media. Open‑air digital TV, which reaches antennas directly, offers a shorter delay (about six to eight seconds) than most streaming platforms and is therefore preferred for live football.

Shopee also recorded over 250 % growth in orders for TVs, home‑theater systems and projectors between April and May, indicating broader consumer spending on home‑entertainment equipment linked to the tournament.