Another responded saying they had experienced similar issues: “same bro and it’s back to uru/esp and the volume doesn’t work and there’s no tvnz logo.”
Viewers became more outraged when the broadcast cut to advertising as Spain was on the attack just after the 40th minute.
Viewers watching Uruguay’s match against Spain on TVNZ+ missed Alex Baena’s opening goal after the broadcast cut to advertisements. Photo / Getty Images
A series of adverts started to play, but none ran to completion and when the coverage returned to the match, Spain had scored and the players were seen celebrating.
TVNZ has been playing ads in the middle of each half, but that has been during the hydration breaks and not when the ball has been in open play.
“Such a shambles! Put an official complaint in mate on the TVNZ website,” one person said in a social media post.
“An ad break in the middle of play? Are you kidding me? We’re paying for you to add advertising in the middle of the match??” another complained.
TVNZ has apologised to some of the viewers complaining in the comment sections of one of their Facebook posts promoting upcoming matches.
“We experienced a disruption to our FIFA coverage this afternoon,” the comment read.
“Our team resolved this as quickly as possible, but we know this meant you missed an important moment of play.
“We’ll have the full Spain v Uruguay recap available on TVNZ+ asap as well as all the usual highlights packages.
“We appreciate this was frustrating and we apologise profusely for the impact to your viewing.”
TVNZ has also been approached directly for comment.
Spain took the lead through a goal from Alex Baena, who put through a shot on target off a swivel near the edge of the penalty box.
Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera managed to get two hands on the ball, but it still trickled through into the back of the net, making him the first goalkeeper to commit three errors leading to goals in a single Fifa World Cup tournament since 1966.
Uruguay finished the fiery contest with 10 men as they crashed out of the tournament, picking up just two points from their three games, while Spain will go on to play the team that finishes second in group J.
Go all in to unlock every Fifa World Cup 2026 match with a TVNZ+ Event Pass.