United States

How to watch the World Cup 2026 in the United States

FOX Sports holds the US English-language rights and NBCUniversal's Telemundo / Peacock holds Spanish-language rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This page tracks confirmed broadcast routes only — no pirate streams.

English broadcast FOX, FS1, FOX Sports App, FOX One
Spanish broadcast Telemundo, Universo, Peacock
US opener USA vs Paraguay · 2026-06-12 · 18:00 PT, Los Angeles

Authorized platforms

FOX Sports has confirmed its English-language plan: all 104 matches will air across FOX (70) and FS1 (34), supported by the FOX Sports App and FOX One streaming. NBCUniversal's Telemundo holds Spanish-language exclusivity, with Peacock acting as the streaming companion.

Whether you need a cable subscription, a streaming bundle or geo-verification depends on each platform's pre-tournament announcements. Always confirm the route a specific match airs on before kick-off.

Authorized US viewing routes for the 2026 World Cup
LanguageMain routeBest for
EnglishFOX, FS1, FOX Sports App, FOX OneFans who want US-style commentary, pre-match shows and English broadcast packaging
SpanishTelemundo, Universo, PeacockFans who prefer Spanish commentary or Latin American viewpoints
ChineseNo US-based Chinese-language broadcast confirmed yetFans needing Chinese commentary should wait for an official announcement and avoid unauthorized aggregators

Picking the right route

If you already pay for cable or a streaming bundle, the cheapest first move is to check whether your existing plan includes FOX, FS1, Telemundo or Peacock. For high-stakes matches (US fixtures, knockouts, the final), test your login and casting setup the day before to avoid kick-off scrambles.

If a venue or pub hosts a watch party, confirm they're using an authorized signal. Aggregator sites that promise free, high-definition coverage without identifying their broadcaster are usually unauthorized.

  • Check whether your existing TV / streaming bundle covers FOX, FS1, Telemundo or Peacock
  • Test sign-in and screen mirroring 24 hours ahead of marquee matches
  • Confirm bars and public watch parties are using an authorized broadcaster

Frequently asked questions

Are any 2026 World Cup matches free to watch in the US?

Yes. Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo airs 92 of the 104 matches free-to-air (the rest on cable channel Universo), and Fox's free streaming service Tubi carries selected matches free, including the opener and the USA's first match. All 104 matches air in English on FOX and FS1.

Where do English and Spanish coverage air?

English is on FOX Sports — 70 matches on FOX and 34 on FS1, plus live and on-demand streaming via the FOX Sports App and FOX One. Spanish is exclusive to Telemundo / Universo, with streaming on Peacock.

Is there Chinese-language commentary in the US?

No US-based Chinese-language broadcast has been confirmed. Fans who need Chinese commentary should use a lawful service in their region or wait for an official announcement, and avoid pirate streams.

Can I watch without cable?

Yes. FOX matches stream on the FOX Sports App / FOX One, Spanish coverage on Peacock, and selected matches air free on Tubi. Whether you need a subscription or sign-in depends on each platform's terms.