The 2026 FIFA World Cup, a monumental occasion, is set to feature a groundbreaking broadcast schedule. FOX Sports will dominate the summer airwaves, showcasing all 104 matches live—70 on FOX and 34 on FS1. Fans can also stream every match live and on-demand via FOX One and the FOX Sports app. Notably, a record 40 matches, making up over a third of the tournament, are scheduled to air during prime time, with 21 games on FOX and 19 on FS1.
Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer of FOX Sports, stated, “FIFA is hosting the largest World Cup in history, and FOX Sports is poised to meet that expectation. Our schedule confirms that FOX will be America’s hub for an exceptional 39 days of soccer, connecting our nation, celebrating our 250th anniversary, with fans globally for an unparalleled event.”
This World Cup will be historic as it marks the first time three nations— the United States, Mexico, and Canada—will host the tournament, featuring 48 teams across 16 cities. In the U.S., matches will take place in major cities including Atlanta, Boston, and Los Angeles.
Expansion of Coverage for the U.S. Team
The broadcast plan will enhance the visibility of the U.S. Men’s National Team, with all three of their Group D stage matches airing on FOX. The U.S. opener against Paraguay will take place in Los Angeles on June 12, kicking off at 9 p.m. ET, preceded by a three-hour pregame show.
Their second group match against Australia will unfold in Seattle on June 19, with coverage beginning at 1:00 PM ET and the game itself starting at 3:00 PM ET. The third group match against the UEFA Playoffs C winners will occur in Los Angeles on June 25, with coverage starting at 9 PM ET.
Further Highlights from FOX Sports for FIFA World Cup 2026
- All opening matches featuring the host nations (U.S., Mexico, and Canada) will air on FOX, with extended pre-game coverage.
- The tournament kicks off on FOX at 1 PM ET, with Mexico playing South Africa.
- Canada will join the action in Toronto on June 12 at 1:00 PM ET.
- Throughout the tournament, “FIFA World Cup Live” will preview daily events and be broadcast on FOX and FS1. ‘FIFA World Cup Today’ will provide pre- and post-match analysis.
On June 16, FOX will present a star-studded tripleheader: France vs. Senegal in New York/New Jersey followed by matches featuring Erling Haaland’s Norway and Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Live coverage begins at 2:00 PM ET.
Simultaneous matches will commence on June 24, with FOX and FS1 jointly airing six key games across four consecutive days, featuring high-stakes matchups like Scotland vs. Brazil.
The culmination of the tournament will take place in New York/New Jersey on July 19 at 3 PM ET, with live coverage starting at noon and featuring a special three-hour “FIFA World Cup Live.”
Fan Take: This extensive broadcasting plan not only reflects the increased popularity of soccer in the U.S. but also ensures that fans will have unparalleled access to the excitement of the World Cup. It could further ignite interest in the sport and inspire new generations of soccer enthusiasts in America.
