Record number of 2026 World Cup matches to air on broadcast network
Record number of 2026 World Cup matches to air on broadcast network
The Fox network will offer 69 matches from the World Cup next year, the most ever on a broadcast channel.
One of the trickiest things about watching a FIFA World Cup every four years is navigating which channels have games. Fox holds the broadcast rights to the World Cup, and in the past, Fox has split games between the Fox broadcast network and FS1. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming up fast, Fox is getting ready for another big-time broadcasting event, and it has made some changes to the way it will offer World Cup broadcasts next year. As announced on Wednesday, Fox will make a record number of World Cup games available on broadcast TV.
Key Details:
- More than ever: The Fox network will host 69 total World Cup games next year.
- FS1 fading: Only 35 World Cup matches will be left to air on FS1.
- Choices, choices: DIRECTV and Fox One are the best outlets to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will see 69 out of the total of 104 matches played on the Fox broadcast channel, which can be watched for free if you have an over-the-air antenna. The tournament will take place at sites across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and fans all over the U.S. will have unprecedented access to matches.
The 69 matches headed to Fox means that only 35 will play on FS1. Viewers will still need a pay-TV subscription to watch these matches, but the number of games headed to Fox this time around will more than double the total that aired on that network during the last World Cup in 2022.
“FOX Sports’ presentation of FIFA World Cup 26 is going to be the biggest production in our company’s 32-year history, and we couldn’t be more excited to showcase this once-in-a-lifetime event with more matches on broadcast television than ever before,” Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks said. “The largest World Cup ever means this is going to be a television event unlike any other with more teams, superstars, storylines and moments that will captivate audiences everywhere.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will air beginning Thursday, June 11, and will continue through the championship match on through Sunday, July 19, 2026. The complete broadcast schedule for the tournament will be announced following the FIFA World Cup 26 Final Draw on Dec. 5.
How to watch 2026 FIFA World Cup on Fox channels
There are a number of streaming services that now offer the Fox broadcast channel, as well as FS1. DIRECTV might be the best of the lot, however, this service has Fox in all of its Signature channel packages, which normally start at $90 per month; it also has Fox in its MySports Genre Pack, which offers popular sports cable channels only for $70 per month.
The Fox One streaming service carries the programming of Fox and FS1 as well, and you’ll be able to stream all matches of the World Cup on the service. It costs $20 per month, and while it doesn’t carry cable channels owned by other companies, it’s a good and inexpensive option for streaming the World Cup next year.
Fox and FS1 are also available on Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV in most markets. Sling TV only carries Fox in a handful of markets, but it has the channel and FS1 in the Sling Blue plan for $46 per month, or Sling Select for $20 per month if you live in an area where Fox is available.
-
DIRECTV
DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.
-
Fox One
Launched August 21, 2025, Fox One is a direct-to-consumer streaming service from Fox Corporation. Billed as a “major digital initiative,” Fox One brings together the full range of Fox’s leading news, sports, and entertainment brands, offering live and on-demand access in one unified platform.
-
Fubo
Fubo is a live TV streaming service offering a robust lineup of approximately 150 premier channels, with plans starting at $63.99 per month. This entry-level package provides access to local broadcast affiliates 18 of the leading 35 cable channels channels, and valuable regional sports networks (RSNs).
-
Hulu Live TV
Hulu Live TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 70 channels for $89.99 per month. Hulu + Live TV base plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs). Subscribers get free access to Disney+ and ESPN Select at no extra charge.
-
Sling TV
Sling TV is The Streamable’s choice for cord-cutters on a budget. Sling is a live TV streaming service with multiple channel packages. The $45.99/month Sling Orange plan offers about 30 channels, including Disney Channel and ESPN. The $45.99/month Sling Blue plan offers about 40 channels, including ABC, Fox, and NBC in major markets.
You can combine Orange+Blue for a total of $60.99 / month. Sling also offers many channel add-on packages starting at $6/month.
-
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 60 channels for $82.99/month. This plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs) in select markets. The base plan includes more than 100 live channels, including major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as popular cable channels such as ESPN, CNN, FX, USA Network, and TNT. Local channels are included in most markets, making YouTube TV a full replacement for traditional cable for many viewers.
