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Where to Watch 2026 World Cup in the USA: TV Channels, Live Streaming & Free Options Guide

Where to Watch 2026 World Cup in the USA - All Group Stage Match Viewing Guide

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be an international soccer tournament organized by FIFA. This 23rd edition will expand from 32 to 48 teams, featuring a total of 104 matches over 39 days. FIFA will sell the broadcasting rights directly to two broadcasters and six streaming services. Additionally, Fans can Watch 2026 World Cup in the USA, almost all the matches in HD, 4K video quality in English and Spanish.

Whether you have a full cable package, cut the cord years ago, or are working with a zero-dollar entertainment budget, there is a way to watch every single moment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule from the United States. This guide breaks it all down — channel by channel, app by app, dollar by dollar.

The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The opening match is Mexico vs South Africa on June 11 at 3:00 PM ET. The Final is at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 at 3:00 PM ET.

Let’s get you set up with all the details on TV channels, live streaming, and free options to watch 2026 World Cup in the USA.

Who Owns the FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcast Rights?

Before anything else, here is the foundation: FOX Sports holds all English-language broadcast rights to all 104 matches. NBCUniversal’s Telemundo holds all Spanish-language rights. This deal was locked in as far back as February 2015 — Fox and NBCUniversal were renewed without competitive bids — and it covers the entire tournament.

Between the two broadcasters, every single match is covered in both languages on linear television and streaming.

English Language Coverage — FOX, FS1, FS2

FOX (Main Network)

FOX is your primary destination for English-language World Cup viewing. The main FOX broadcast network carries 70 of the 104 matches — and crucially, it carries every knockout stage match from the Round of 16 onward, including both semi-finals, the third-place match, and the Final.

FOX also carries every USMNT group stage match. A record 40 matches air in primetime across the tournament — FOX takes 21 of them.

FOX is available free over-the-air with a digital antenna, making it the most accessible option for anyone in the United States with a television set.

FS1 and FS2

FS1 carries the remaining English-language matches not on the main FOX network — primarily group stage clashes between non-US teams. FS1 takes 19 of the 40 primetime matches. FS2 carries select simultaneous group stage games.

FS1 and FS2 are available on all major cable and satellite packages, and on every major live TV streaming service listed below.

John Strong and Stu Holden lead FOX’s on-air commentary team for their third consecutive men’s World Cup.

Spanish Language Coverage — Telemundo and Universo

Telemundo

Telemundo is the Spanish-language home of the 2026 World Cup, airing 92 of the 104 matches free over-the-air. This makes it, alongside FOX, one of the most accessible broadcast options for American viewers entirely free with a digital antenna.

Telemundo is planning 700 hours of World Cup programming, the most extensive Spanish-language World Cup broadcast in US television history.

Universo

Universo, Telemundo’s cable sister channel, carries the remaining 12 matches — primarily simultaneous group-stage games that do not fit on the main Telemundo channel. Universo is available through most cable, satellite, and live TV streaming packages.

Live Streaming — Every Option Compared

FOX One — Best English streaming option

FOX One is the newly launched standalone streaming service from Fox Corporation. At $19.99 per month (or $199.99 per year), it carries all 104 English-language World Cup matches live and in 4K. No cable login is required — you sign up directly. It works on phones, tablets, smart TVs, Roku, FireStick, Apple TV, and game consoles.

This is the simplest, most complete English streaming path if you do not have cable.

Peacock Premium — Best Spanish streaming option

Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, is the exclusive Spanish-language digital home of the 2026 World Cup. At $10.99 per month for the Premium tier, it carries all 104 matches in Spanish via Telemundo and Universo. No cable login needed. This is the cheapest standalone all-tournament streaming option available in the United States.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV carries FOX, FS1, FS2, and Telemundo — meaning all 104 matches in both languages. Plans start at approximately $72.99 per month. No cable required. A solid option if you already subscribe for other content.

FuboTV

FuboTV’s Pro or Elite plans carry FOX, FS1, and FS2. It is sports-focused by design and has historically been popular with football (soccer) audiences. A five-day free trial is available — useful for covering specific rounds of the tournament.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV carries FOX and FS1 and is bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+. Plans start at approximately $82.99 per month. A good value if you are already paying for the Disney bundle.

Sling TV

Sling Blue covers FOX and FS1 starting at around $45 per month. Add the Sports Extra add-on for $11 per month to unlock FS2. The most budget-friendly cord-cutting live TV option if you primarily need the World Cup.

DirecTV

FOX Sports 1 is available across all DirecTV packages. FOX Sports 2 is available on Ultimate and Premier tiers. Spanish coverage via Telemundo is available on the MiEspañol plan starting at $34.99 per month. DirecTV offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers.

FOX Sports App and Telemundo App $

Both apps are free to download on any device. However, they require a cable or TV provider login to stream live matches. If you already have cable, these apps are the easiest way to stream every match on your phone, tablet, or streaming device at no extra cost.

Free watching options — Watch Without Paying a Penny

Here are the three legitimate free-viewing paths available to US viewers.

Digital antenna (the biggest free option)

A standard digital antenna — available for $20 to $40 online or at any electronics retailer — picks up your local FOX and Telemundo affiliates over the air. That covers approximately 70 matches on FOX and 92 on Telemundo, with significant overlap. Every knockout match from the Round of 16 through the Final airs on FOX over-the-air. This is far and away the most comprehensive free option, and the antenna pays for itself many times over.

Tubi — Two matches free in 4K, zero login required

Tubi, the free ad-supported streaming platform owned by Fox Corporation, will stream the following completely free, no account needed:

A dedicated FIFA World Cup FOX Hub launched on Tubi on May 10, 2026, offering free highlights, analysis, and replays throughout the tournament.

Free trials

FOX One, YouTube TV, and FuboTV all offer one-week free trials for new subscribers. With a little planning, you can cover the entire group stage and opening knockout round using free trials before a single dollar changes hands.

What Is NOT Available — Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️ Netflix does not carry FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Netflix secured rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cups, but has no rights to the men’s 2026 tournament.

⚠️ Apple TV+ does not carry World Cup matches. The FOX One and FOX Sports apps are available as downloads through the Apple TV App Store and work on Apple TV hardware — but the content is from FOX, not Apple.

⚠️ The FOX Sports app and Telemundo app require a cable/TV provider login for live match streaming. Downloading the app alone is not enough if you do not have cable.

Let’s clear the confusion: Netflix and Apple TV+ will not stream the 2026 World Cup matches. To watch them on your Apple TV device, you will need the FOX or FOX Sports apps, as FOX holds the actual broadcasting rights.

Where to Watch 2026 World Cup in the USA – All Group Stage Match Viewing Guide

Here’s the full list of 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage matches, along with their times and broadcast or streaming channels.

DateTeamsStadiumTimeChannel
Thursday, June 11Mexico vs South AfricaEstadio Azteca, Mexico City3 p.m.FOX
South Korea vs CzechiaEstadio Akron, Zapopan10 p.m.FS1
Friday, June 12Canada vs Bosnia and HerzegovinaBMO Field, Toronto3 p.m.FOX
United States vs ParaguaySoFi Stadium, Inglewood9 p.m.FOX
Saturday, June 13Qatar vs SwitzerlandLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara3 p.m.FOX
Brazil vs MoroccoMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford6 p.m.FS1
Haiti vs ScotlandGillette Stadium, Foxborough9 p.m.FS1
Sunday, June 14Australia vs TürkiyeBC Place, Vancouver12 a.m.FS1
Germany vs Willemstad CuraçaoNRG Stadium, Houston1 p.m.FOX
Netherlands vs JapanAT&T Stadium, Arlington4 p.m.FOX
Ivory Coast vs EcuadorLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia7 p.m.FS1
Sweden vs TunisiaEstadio BBVA Bancomer, Guadalupe10 p.m.FS1
Monday, June 15Spain vs Cape VerdeMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta12 p.m.FOX
Belgium vs EgyptLumen Field, Seattle3 p.m.FOX
Saudi Arabia vs UruguayHard Rock Stadium, Miami6 p.m.FS1
Iran vs New ZealandSoFi Stadium, Inglewood9 p.m.FS1
Tuesday, June 16France vs SenegalMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford3 p.m.FOX
Iraq vs NorwayGillette Stadium, Foxborough6 p.m.FOX
Argentina vs AlgeriaArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City9 p.m.FOX
Wednesday, June 17Austria vs JordanLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara12 a.m.FS1
Portugal vs DR CongoNRG Stadium, Houston1 p.m.FOX
England vs CroatiaAT&T Stadium, Arlington4 p.m.FOX
Ghana vs PanamaBMO Field, Toronto7 p.m.FS1
Uzbekistan vs ColombiaEstadio Azteca, Mexico City10 p.m.FS1
Thursday, June 18Czechia vs South AfricaMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta12 p.m.FOX
Switzerland vs Bosnia and HerzegovinaSoFi Stadium, Inglewood3 p.m.FOX
Canada vs QatarBC Place, Vancouver6 p.m.FS1
Mexico vs South KoreaEstadio Akron, Zapopan9 p.m.FOX
DateTeamsStadiumTimeChannel
Friday, June 19United States vs AustraliaLumen Field, Seattle3 p.m.FOX
Scotland vs MoroccoGillette Stadium, Foxborough6 p.m.FOX
Brazil vs HaitiLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia8:30 p.m.FOX
Türkiye vs ParaguayLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara11 p.m.FS1
Saturday, June 20Netherlands vs SwedenNRG Stadium, Houston1 p.m.FOX
Germany vs Ivory CoastBMO Field, Toronto4 p.m.FOX
Ecuador vs Willemstad CuraçaoArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City8 p.m.FS1
Sunday, June 21Tunisia vs JapanEstadio BBVA Bancomer, Guadalupe12 a.m.FS1
Spain vs Saudi ArabiaMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta12 p.m.FOX
Belgium vs IranSoFi Stadium, Inglewood3 p.m.FS1
Uruguay vs Cape VerdeHard Rock Stadium, Miami6 p.m.FS1
New Zealand vs EgyptBC Place, Vancouver9 p.m.FS1
Monday, June 22Argentina vs AustriaAT&T Stadium, Arlington1 p.m.FOX
France vs IraqLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia5 p.m.FOX
Norway vs SenegalMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford8 p.m.FOX
Jordan vs AlgeriaLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara11 p.m.FS1
Tuesday, June 23Portugal vs UzbekistanNRG Stadium, Houston1 p.m.FOX
England vs GhanaGillette Stadium, Foxborough4 p.m.FOX
Panama vs CroatiaBMO Field, Toronto7 p.m.FOX
Colombia vs DR CongoEstadio Akron, Zapopan10 p.m.FS1
Wednesday, June 24Switzerland vs CanadaBC Place, Vancouver3 p.m.FOX
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs QatarLumen Field, Seattle3 p.m.FS1
Scotland vs BrazilHard Rock Stadium, Miami6 p.m.FOX
Morocco vs HaitiMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta6 p.m.FS1
Czechia vs MexicoEstadio Azteca, Mexico City9 p.m.FOX
South Africa vs South KoreaEstadio BBVA Bancomer, Guadalupe9 p.m.FS1
Thursday, June 25Ecuador vs GermanyMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford4 p.m.FOX
Willemstad Curaçao vs Ivory CoastLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia4 p.m.FS1
Tunisia vs NetherlandsArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City7 p.m.FOX
Japan vs SwedenAT&T Stadium, Arlington7 p.m.FS1
Türkiye vs United StatesSoFi Stadium, Inglewood10 p.m.FOX
Paraguay vs AustraliaLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara10 p.m.FS1
DateTeamsStadiumTimeChannel
Friday, June 19United States vs AustraliaLumen Field, Seattle3 p.m.FOX
Scotland vs MoroccoGillette Stadium, Foxborough6 p.m.FOX
Brazil vs HaitiLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia8:30 p.m.FOX
Türkiye vs ParaguayLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara11 p.m.FS1
Saturday, June 20Netherlands vs SwedenNRG Stadium, Houston1 p.m.FOX
Germany vs Ivory CoastBMO Field, Toronto4 p.m.FOX
Ecuador vs Willemstad CuraçaoArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City8 p.m.FS1
Sunday, June 21Tunisia vs JapanEstadio BBVA Bancomer, Guadalupe12 a.m.FS1
Spain vs Saudi ArabiaMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta12 p.m.FOX
Belgium vs IranSoFi Stadium, Inglewood3 p.m.FS1
Uruguay vs Cape VerdeHard Rock Stadium, Miami6 p.m.FS1
New Zealand vs EgyptBC Place, Vancouver9 p.m.FS1
Monday, June 22Argentina vs AustriaAT&T Stadium, Arlington1 p.m.FOX
France vs IraqLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia5 p.m.FOX
Norway vs SenegalMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford8 p.m.FOX
Jordan vs AlgeriaLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara11 p.m.FS1
Tuesday, June 23Portugal vs UzbekistanNRG Stadium, Houston1 p.m.FOX
England vs GhanaGillette Stadium, Foxborough4 p.m.FOX
Panama vs CroatiaBMO Field, Toronto7 p.m.FOX
Colombia vs DR CongoEstadio Akron, Zapopan10 p.m.FS1
Wednesday, June 24Switzerland vs CanadaBC Place, Vancouver3 p.m.FOX
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs QatarLumen Field, Seattle3 p.m.FS1
Scotland vs BrazilHard Rock Stadium, Miami6 p.m.FOX
Morocco vs HaitiMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta6 p.m.FS1
Czechia vs MexicoEstadio Azteca, Mexico City9 p.m.FOX
South Africa vs South KoreaEstadio BBVA Bancomer, Guadalupe9 p.m.FS1
Thursday, June 25Ecuador vs GermanyMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford4 p.m.FOX
Willemstad Curaçao vs Ivory CoastLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia4 p.m.FS1
Tunisia vs NetherlandsArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City7 p.m.FOX
Japan vs SwedenAT&T Stadium, Arlington7 p.m.FS1
Türkiye vs United StatesSoFi Stadium, Inglewood10 p.m.FOX
Paraguay vs AustraliaLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara10 p.m.FS1
DateTeamsStadiumTimeChannel
Friday, June 26Norway vs FranceGillette Stadium, Foxborough3 p.m.FOX
Senegal vs IraqBMO Field, Toronto3 p.m.FS1
Uruguay vs SpainEstadio Akron, Zapopan8 p.m.FOX
Cape Verde vs Saudi ArabiaNRG Stadium, Houston8 p.m.FS1
New Zealand vs BelgiumBC Place, Vancouver11 p.m.FOX
Egypt vs IranLumen Field, Seattle11 p.m.FS1
Saturday, June 27Panama vs EnglandMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford5 p.m.FOX
Croatia vs GhanaLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia5 p.m.FS1
Colombia vs PortugalHard Rock Stadium, Miami7:30 p.m.FOX
DR Congo vs UzbekistanMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta7:30 p.m.FS1
Jordan vs ArgentinaAT&T Stadium, Arlington10 p.m.FOX
Algeria vs AustriaArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City10 p.m.FS1

Most-watched games in the 2026 World Cup in the USA

Here is where to watch the most-watched games of the tournament:

Match DetailsDate & TimeChannel/ Network / Stream
Tournament Opener:
Mexico vs South Africa
Thursday, June 11 @ 3:00 PM ETFOX / Telemundo / Tubi
USMNT Debut:
USA vs Paraguay
Friday, June 12 @ 9:00 PM ETTubi (4K, free), FOX, Telemundo
USMNT Match 2:
USA vs Australia
Friday, June 19 @ 3:00 PM ETTubi (4K, free), FOX, Telemundo
USMNT Match 3:
USA vs Türkiye
Thursday, June 25 @ 10:00 PM ETTubi (4K, free), FOX, Telemundo
Round of 16 DoubleheaderSaturday, July 4FOX network (free OTA), FOX One, Peacock
All Quarter-finals onward:Thursday, July 9, 2026FOX network (free OTA), FOX One, Peacock
World Cup Final:
Live from MetLife Stadium
Sunday, July 19 @ 3:00 PM ETFOX, FOX One, Peacock

How to Watch in 4K

Major pay-TV providers are offering a dedicated 4K FOX channel for the duration of the tournament. Check with DirecTV, Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum, or Cox for availability — you may need a 4K-capable receiver.

For streaming in 4K, you need:

FOX One streams all 104 English matches in 4K. Tubi streams the opening ceremony and USA vs Paraguay in 4K for free.

TikTok and YouTube — Highlights and Free Clips

On January 8, 2026, FIFA signed a deal making TikTok a “preferred platform” for World Cup video content. Official Media Partners can stream the first 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channels and select full matches under a dedicated FIFA-YouTube partnership. CazéTV holds exclusive YouTube rights for all 104 matches in Brazil — not a free path for US viewers, but a reminder that the tournament has a strong free digital presence globally.

FIFA+ and the official YouTube channels of broadcasters will carry free highlights, analysis, and select full-match replays throughout the tournament.

TikTok has been named a “preferred platform” for World Cup video content per a FIFA deal signed January 8, 2026. Broadcasters can stream the first 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channels and select full matches under FIFA’s YouTube partnership.

Recommended plan — by viewer type

Budget viewer

$20–$40 one-time antenna cost. Covers 70+ matches free, including every knockout game. Tubi adds the opening ceremony and the USA opener in 4K free.

English streamer (no cable)

$19.99/month or $199.99/year. All 104 matches in 4K, no cable required. Best standalone English-language path.

Spanish streamer (no cable)

$10.99/month. All 104 matches in Spanish. Cheapest standalone option with no cable login needed.

Existing cable subscriber

Both apps are free to download. Sign in with your cable provider credentials and stream every match in English and Spanish on any device.

Best for short-term access

Use the one-week free trials from FOX One, YouTube TV, or FuboTV to cover specific rounds at zero cost.

Watching outside USA

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