How To Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US

There’s nothing in soccer quite like the FIFA World Cup, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be the biggest in the sport’s history. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico are teaming up to host a massive new format, featuring 48 national teams facing off across 104 matches.

With so much action spread across multiple time zones, you’ll need a solid TV plan to watch the FIFA World Cup without missing a single moment. FOX Sports and Telemundo hold the exclusive U.S. broadcast rights, delivering every match with English- and Spanish-language commentary.

No matter which team you support, this tournament is guaranteed to deliver incredible upsets and heartbreak. That’s why I’ve broken down the best viewing options so you can catch every second of it. Keep scrolling for channel details, the complete TV schedule, and more.

Jump to:

• World Cup channels
• World Cup TV schedule
• Best World Cup TV plans
• Watch the World Cup for free

What channels are World Cup games on?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will air across FOX Sports and Telemundo Deportes networks. Because the U.S. broadcast rights are split by language, here’s a quick list of the channels you’ll need depending on whether you prefer English- or Spanish-language coverage.

English-language broadcasts

• FOX: Broadcasts 70 live matches over the air, including all three USMNT group stage games, every match from the Round of 16 onward, and the World Cup Final.
• FS1: Televises the remaining 34 live matches, serving as the essential overflow channel during the group stage’s busy kickoff windows.
• Tubi: Streams the opening ceremonies alongside the first matches for Mexico (June 11) and the U.S. (June 12) live in 4K for free.

Spanish-language broadcasts

• Telemundo: Serves as the primary TV home for Spanish-language viewers, broadcasting 92 live matches over the air.
• UNIVERSO: Carries 12 live matches on pay TV, primarily stepping in when multiple group stage games happen simultaneously.
• Peacock Premium: Simulcasts all 104 matches live, making it the ultimate streaming destination for Spanish speakers.

When and where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup returns to the traditional summer window this year, kicking off on June 11 and culminating with the final on July 19. With the U.S., Canada, and Mexico sharing hosting duties, the tournament will move through a wide range of venues—from the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to the high-tech MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

All eyes are on the host nations to see if home-field advantage can carry them to the late rounds. But I’m particularly curious about how Argentina performs. The defending champions are looking to protect their crown amidst stiff competition and a swirl of questions regarding Lionel Messi’s role.

Check out the complete World Cup TV schedule below for game times and U.S. channel listings.

World Cup group stage schedule

World Cup knockout stage schedule

Best ways to watch the FIFA World Cup

With the 2026 World Cup spread across three countries and four time zones, the best way to watch depends entirely on your language preference and your budget. After analyzing the broadcast windows and technical features of every major provider, I’ve found that streaming services offer the most flexibility.

If you want a comprehensive, cable-like experience with year-round sports, Hulu + Live TV is a fantastic place to start. But if you’re strictly looking for the most cost-effective way to stream the 39-day tournament, standalone platforms like FOX One (for English) and Peacock Premium (for Spanish) are your best bets.

Best Overall: Hulu + Live TV

The real value of this service extends far beyond the World Cup Final thanks to the included Disney Bundle. Because your subscription automatically includes ESPN Unlimited and Disney+ at no extra cost, you’ll have a world-class soccer library ready for when domestic leagues like the Bundesliga and La Liga resume play.

Most Affordable (English): FOX One

Most Affordable (Spanish): Peacock Premium

How to watch the FIFA World Cup for free

The most reliable way to watch the FIFA World Cup for free is with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. This one-time purchase allows you to pick up local FOX and Telemundo stations, which will combine to broadcast a record number of matches completely free of charge.

Before purchasing an antenna, use Antennas Direct’s Transmitter Locator to verify if any FOX or Telemundo towers are within range of your zip code. Once you’ve confirmed your signal strength, you can find the right hardware for your home in our Best OTA Antennas guide.

For matches airing on channels like FS1 or UNIVERSO, you can bridge the gap using free trials from live TV streaming services. Platforms like DIRECTV and YouTube TV typically offer trials lasting five or more days. Additionally, Tubi will stream some World Cup content for free, making it an essential part of your TV setup.

How to watch the World Cup internationally

FIFA manages the global distribution of World Cup media rights through a complex network of regional partners. Because soccer is the world’s most popular sport, FIFA works to make sure that nearly every corner of the globe has a dedicated broadcaster.

If you’re traveling abroad during the summer of 2026, I’ve listed the major international broadcasters below. But keep in mind that streaming services are generally geo-blocked, meaning you’ll need a VPN to access your home subscriptions once you cross international borders.

For the full picture, you can visit FIFA’s official site for a full directory of World Cup 2026 broadcasters.

World Cup broadcasters by country

How to watch the FIFA World Cup FAQ

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