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Kiplinger
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Carla Ayers

How to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026: Schedule, TV Channels and Streaming Options

In this photo illustration, the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here, bringing 104 matches to stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico in the tournament's largest format ever.

The competition runs from June 11 through July 19, with English-language coverage airing on FOX and FS1 and Spanish-language broadcasts available on Telemundo, Universo and Peacock.

Whether you're following Team USA, defending champions Argentina or tournament favorites such as Brazil and Spain, there are several ways to catch every match live. Here's what you need to know.

Where to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup

In the United States, English-language broadcasts are available on FOX, FS1 and the new FOX One streaming service.

Spanish-language coverage is available on Telemundo, Universo and Peacock.

Service

Monthly price

Channels

DirecTV Stream

$89.99

FOX and FS1

Fubo

Starting at $45.99

FOX and FS1

FOX One

$19.99

FOX and FS1 World Cup coverage

Hulu + Live TV

$89.99

FOX and FS1. Includes ESPN+ and Disney+

Peacock

Starting at $10.99 per month

Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo

Sling Blue

Starting at $45.99

FS1; FOX availability depends on location

YouTube TV

$82.99

FOX, FS1, Telemundo, Universo

The prices listed above reflect each service's standard monthly rate. Depending on when you subscribe, you may qualify for a free trial, introductory pricing or a limited-time promotion, so it's worth checking current offers before signing up.

For viewers looking to watch every World Cup match in English without paying for a full live-TV bundle, FOX One may be one of the most affordable options. The service carries matches airing on FOX and FS1 and costs $19.99 per month, making it possible to follow the entire tournament for little more than a single month's subscription.

Another low-cost option is a digital over-the-air antenna. Many marquee World Cup matches, including games airing on your local FOX station, can be watched for free after a one-time equipment purchase. However, reception varies based on factors such as your location, terrain and distance from broadcast towers, so access isn't guaranteed in every area.

You'll also need a cable, satellite or streaming subscription to watch matches that air exclusively on FS1.

Money-saving tip: If you're only interested in the knockout rounds or Team USA matches, consider subscribing for a single month rather than the entire tournament. Since the World Cup runs just over five weeks, timing your subscription carefully could reduce your overall cost.

How to watch the World Cup while traveling

Planning to watch the World Cup while traveling? Some platforms limit content based on your location, which could affect how you watch matches away from home.

To maintain access to eligible streaming subscriptions, some travelers use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another location, providing an added layer of privacy and potentially helping you access services associated with your account while traveling.

New to VPNs? Getting started is relatively simple:

  • Choose a VPN service, such as Norton VPN , and follow the setup instructions
  • Select a server location that matches your home country
  • Open your streaming app and log in as usual

Team USA schedule

(Image credit: DIRK WAEM / Contributor)

As a host nation, the United States automatically qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and opens group play against Paraguay before facing Australia and Türkiye in Group D. The top teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, where the tournament shifts to single-elimination play.

Date

Match

TV

June 12

USA vs. Paraguay

FOX

June 19

USA vs. Australia

FOX

June 25

USA vs. Türkiye

FOX

All times and channels are subject to change.

2026 FIFA World Cup schedule

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 through July 19 and features 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Listing every match would be overwhelming; the schedule below highlights the key dates for each stage of the tournament, from the group stage through the World Cup Final.

Round

Dates

Group Stage

June 11 – 27

Round of 32

June 28 – July 3

Round of 16

July 4 – 7

Quarterfinals

July 9 – 11

Semifinals

July 14 – 15

Third-place Match

July 18

World Cup Final

July 19

Catch every moment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup offers more matches than ever before, but watching doesn't have to mean paying for an expensive cable package.

Whether you choose FOX One, a live TV streaming service or a combination of an antenna and streaming subscription, there are several ways to follow the tournament while keeping costs in check. Compare your options before kickoff to find the best fit for your budget and viewing habits.

Related content

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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