Who is Televising the World Cup? Your Complete 2026 Guide

The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and fans worldwide are eager to know where they can catch all the action. This comprehensive guide answers the burning question: “Who Is Televising The World Cup?” We’ll cover broadcast partners, streaming options, and key details to ensure you don’t miss a single goal.

Large crowds often gather to watch World Cup matches, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Where to Watch the 2026 World Cup in the US

For viewers in the United States, the 2026 World Cup will be broadcast in English on FOX and FS1. Spanish-language coverage will be available on Telemundo and Universo. This continues the trend from the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, ensuring broad access for diverse audiences.

In addition to traditional television broadcasts, several streaming services will offer live coverage of all World Cup matches. These include:

• fuboTV: Known for its extensive sports coverage, fuboTV will likely offer a comprehensive World Cup package.
• Peacock TV: NBC’s streaming platform, Peacock TV, is another strong contender for streaming the World Cup.
• Sling TV: Sling TV often provides cost-effective sports streaming options, potentially including the World Cup.
• YouTube TV: Google’s YouTube TV offers a robust channel lineup and could be a viable option for streaming the tournament.

Convenient Ways to Stay Updated

Staying on top of the World Cup schedule can be challenging with so many matches taking place. Consider these helpful resources:

• Soccer TV Schedules App: Download this app for Apple iOS and Android devices to access up-to-date listings of all live soccer matches available in the United States. This app will ensure you don’t miss a game, regardless of the broadcaster.

• The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide: World Soccer Talk offers a complimentary guide detailing where to watch various soccer leagues from around the world on US television and streaming platforms.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Tournament Format

While specific match times and team assignments will be confirmed closer to the event, the 2026 World Cup will feature a significantly expanded format. With 48 teams participating (up from 32 in 2022), the tournament will have 16 groups of three teams each. This expansion promises more thrilling matches and increased global representation.

Host Cities and Stadiums

The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, marking the second time the US has hosted the men’s tournament and the third time for Mexico. Canada will be hosting the men’s World Cup for the first time. Sixteen host cities across the three nations have been selected:

West Region

• Guadalajara (Estadio Akron)
• Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)
• San Francisco Bay (Levi’s Stadium)
• Seattle (Lumen Field)
• Vancouver (BC Place)

Central Region

• Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
• Houston (NRG Stadium)
• Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium)
• Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)
• Monterrey (Estadio BBVA)

East Region

• New England (Gillette Stadium)
• Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
• New Jersey/New York (MetLife Stadium)
• Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
• Toronto (BMO Field)

Notably, Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is the only stadium that has hosted World Cup matches previously.

A Rich History: From Humble Beginnings to Global Phenomenon

The first World Cup took place in Uruguay in 1930 with just 13 teams. Since then, the tournament has grown into a global spectacle, attracting billions of viewers worldwide.

Pele, a Brazilian soccer legend, is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. His performances in multiple World Cups contributed significantly to the tournament’s growing popularity.

The 2018 World Cup drew approximately 3.57 billion viewers, while engagement with the 2022 tournament reached an astounding 5 billion. The final match alone captivated an audience of around 1.5 billion.

The Birth of an Idea: The Road to the First World Cup

The concept of a global soccer tournament emerged in the early 20th century as the sport gained international popularity. The first official World Cup was held in 1930 after FIFA, recognizing the need for a professional tournament, took the initiative to organize the event.

Evolution of the Tournament: Format and Expansion

The World Cup has evolved significantly over the years. The number of participating teams has gradually increased from 13 in 1930 to 32 in 1998 and will further expand to 48 in 2026.

Argentina’s victory at the 2022 World Cup marked their third World Cup title.

This expansion reflects the growing global reach and popularity of the sport. The trophy itself has also changed over time, from the Jules Rimet Trophy to the current FIFA World Cup Trophy.

The World Cup in the 21st Century: A Global Unifier

In recent decades, the World Cup has become more than just a sporting competition; it’s a platform for cultural exchange and global unity. The 2010 tournament in South Africa, the first held on African soil, exemplified this power. As the World Cup approaches its centennial, it continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the ability of sports to bridge divides and bring people together.