The short answer
FOX and Telemundo hold the exclusive US broadcast rights. Every single match will air on either FOX, FS1, or Telemundo/Universo. If you have any live TV streaming service that carries FOX and FS1, you're covered for English-language broadcasts. For Spanish, you need Telemundo — which comes with Peacock or any service carrying NBC channels.
The cheapest realistic setup
Sling TV Blue ($45.99/mo) for FOX and FS1 in English, plus Peacock ($7.99/mo) for Telemundo/Universo in Spanish. Total: roughly $54/month for complete World Cup coverage in both languages. If you only need English, Sling Blue alone covers every match.
Service-by-service breakdown
YouTube TV
Fubo
Sling TV (Blue plan)
Hulu + Live TV
Peacock
FOX Sports App
World Cup 2026 — what you need to know
This is the first World Cup with 48 teams (expanded from 32). The tournament runs June 11 to July 19, 2026, with matches in 16 venues across three countries. The group stage has 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 plus the 8 best third-place teams advancing to a 32-team knockout round.
Key US venues include MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey, hosting the Final), SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles), AT&T Stadium (Dallas), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), Lumen Field (Seattle), Levi's Stadium (San Francisco), NRG Stadium (Houston), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia), Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City), Gillette Stadium (Boston), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), and BC Place (Vancouver).
All match times will be shown in your local timezone. Most group stage matches are expected to kick off between 12:00 PM and 9:00 PM Eastern, making them highly accessible for US viewers.
Group stage schedule
Groups are being drawn and assigned. Check back here as the full schedule populates — we'll update this page with every match, every kickoff time, and every broadcast assignment as they're confirmed.
For live group standings and scores as the tournament progresses, use our World Cup live scoreboard →
Frequently asked questions
What channel is the World Cup on in the US?
FOX and FS1 carry every match in English. Telemundo and Universo carry every match in Spanish. All 104 matches will be televised — none are streaming-only exclusives.
Can I watch the World Cup for free?
If you have an antenna, you can watch matches broadcast on the main FOX channel for free over the air. FS1 matches require a cable or streaming subscription. Many services offer free trials during the tournament.
What is the cheapest way to watch every match?
Sling TV Blue at $45.99/month carries FOX and FS1. For Spanish coverage, add Peacock at $7.99/month. An HD antenna for free FOX broadcast games can supplement any plan and reduce costs further.
Do I need ESPN+ for the World Cup?
No. ESPN does not hold World Cup 2026 broadcast rights in the US. FOX and Telemundo are the exclusive broadcasters. ESPN+ is not needed for any World Cup match.
Will matches be blacked out in the US?
No. World Cup matches are not subject to local blackout rules. Every match will be available nationwide on the same channels regardless of which city you're in, including matches played at your local venue.
Can I watch on my phone?
Yes. The FOX Sports app, Telemundo app, and all major live TV streaming services (YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV) have mobile apps for iOS and Android. Stream any match anywhere with an internet connection.
What about 4K or HDR coverage?
FOX is expected to offer select matches in 4K through compatible providers. YouTube TV and Fubo have offered 4K sports in the past. Details will be confirmed closer to the tournament.
When does the World Cup start?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026. The Final is scheduled for July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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