The 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun, bringing the expanded 48-team tournament to the United States, Mexico and Canada across 104 matches and 16 host cities. With demand high for live coverage, viewers have several options for watching the event on television and through streaming services, ranging from traditional cable packages to free trials and select free platforms.
In the United States, English-language World Cup coverage is being carried by FOX and FS1, while Telemundo is providing Spanish-language broadcasts. Many of the tournament’s marquee matches are airing on the FOX broadcast network, which means they can be watched free over the air with a digital antenna. Fans who already subscribe to cable or satellite can access the full slate of matches if their package includes FOX, FS1 and Telemundo.
For cord-cutters, multiple live-TV streaming services are offering temporary free trial periods during the tournament. Services such as Fubo and DIRECTV carry FOX and FS1, giving viewers a way to stream live matches without an immediate subscription cost, though the access is limited to the trial window. Tubi is also carrying select World Cup coverage for free, including the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa.
FOX’s new direct-to-consumer platform, FOX One, has emerged as one of the most searched options for World Cup viewing. The service streams every World Cup match live and on demand, including programming from FOX and FS1, and offers a free trial for new users. As the tournament continues, FOX One is expected to be a major destination for U.S. viewers who want comprehensive access without cable.
YouTube is also part of the World Cup conversation, but it is not a full replacement for complete tournament coverage in the United States. As an official FIFA digital partner, YouTube is expected to offer highlights, previews, creator content and some select live broadcasts, depending on regional rights. Some broadcasters may also stream portions of matches and related programming on their official YouTube channels, but the platform will not provide every game live for U.S. audiences.
The tournament runs from June 11 through July 19, 2026, with the final set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. As the event unfolds, fans have a growing number of ways to follow the action live, whether through broadcast television, free over-the-air coverage, streaming trials or official digital platforms.
