Watch on TV · World Cup 2026
Watch on TV · World Cup 2026
Watch the 2026 World Cup on TV.
Quick answer
Two networks split the US TV rights: FOX (English) and NBCUniversal (Spanish). Each network keeps the majority of matches on its free broadcast affiliates — FOX (~70 matches) and Telemundo (~92 matches) — and overflows the rest onto its cable sister channel, FS1 (34 matches) and Universo (12 matches). All 104 matches are on TV in both English and Spanish; the question is just whether your particular match is on the free or cable side of each network.
Channel breakdown
Four channels, one tournament.
FOX
Main English broadcast network (free, OTA + cable)
About 70 matches, including the opening match and the final
Carried by every cable provider, all live-TV streaming services (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling Blue), and free over the air via local FOX affiliates with an HD antenna.
FS1
FOX’s cable sports channel (paid)
About 34 matches not assigned to the FOX broadcast network
Not available over the air. Carried by cable providers, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling Blue, and the FOX One direct-to-consumer streaming service.
Telemundo
Main Spanish broadcast network (free, OTA + cable)
92 matches free over the air
NBCUniversal’s Spanish-language network. Available on most cable providers and live-TV streamers, and free over the air via local Telemundo affiliates with an HD antenna.
Universo
NBCUniversal’s Spanish cable channel (paid)
12 matches not on Telemundo
Cable-only. Carried by cable providers and most major live-TV streaming services that include Telemundo.
Key match channels
Confirmed channel assignments.
Mexico vs South Africa · June 11 · Opening match
FOX (English) · Telemundo (Spanish)
USA vs Paraguay · June 12 · USMNT opener
FOX (English) · Telemundo (Spanish)
Brazil vs Morocco · June 13 · Group C
FOX (English) · Telemundo (Spanish)
Final · July 19 · MetLife Stadium
FOX (English) · Telemundo (Spanish)
FAQ
On TV: FAQs
How do I find my local FOX or Telemundo affiliate channel number?
Run an over-the-air scan after plugging in an HD antenna — your TV builds the channel list automatically and assigns each affiliate a local number (for example, 5.1 or 47.2). FCC.gov also publishes signal-strength maps by ZIP code that show which FOX and Telemundo affiliates reach your address.
Do I need cable to watch the 2026 World Cup on TV?
No, not entirely. The majority of matches are on the FOX and Telemundo broadcast networks, which are free over the air. You only need cable (or a live-TV streamer like YouTube TV) for the matches that air on FS1 or Universo.
Does the broadcast network carry every USMNT match?
FOX has not announced a per-match channel split, but historically the network reserves the broadcast network for headline matches — host-nation games (USA, Canada, Mexico), knockout rounds, and the final. The USMNT’s group-stage opener vs Paraguay on June 12 has been confirmed for FOX broadcast.
What channel is the 2026 World Cup final on?
The final, scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New York / New Jersey, airs on the main FOX broadcast network in English and on Telemundo in Spanish.
What if my local FOX affiliate has weak reception?
Move the antenna closer to a window facing the broadcast tower, switch to an amplified antenna, or fall back to FOX One streaming ($19.99 per month with a 7-day free trial). Live-TV streaming services (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo) also carry the FOX broadcast feed via your home internet.