FOX Sports is preparing to turn the summer of 2026 into a month-long television event. The network announced a sweeping broadcast plan for the FIFA World Cup 2026 that significantly expands its footprint across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms, positioning the tournament as one of the most ambitious programming undertakings in American sports media history.
From June 11 through July 19, FOX Sports will deliver 340 hours of first-run coverage, a sizable jump from its 2022 World Cup output. All 104 matches from the expanded tournament will air live across FOX and FS1, with 70 matches scheduled on the FOX broadcast network alone.
That total more than doubles FOX’s network match count from the previous men’s World Cup.
Every match will also be available via the FOX Sports App and FOX One, the company’s streaming platform, with 4K availability offered across FOX One and most major pay-TV providers. FOX Sports said 40 matches will air in primetime, a figure that represents more than one-third of the entire tournament and underscores the network’s intent to make the World Cup a nightly summer destination.
FOX Sports CEO and executive producer Eric Shanks framed the schedule as both a statement and an opportunity.
“FIFA is putting on the biggest World Cup in history, and FOX Sports is living up to that standard,” Shanks said in a statement. “Our broadcast schedule affirms FOX is truly going to be America’s home for the beautiful game over a span of 39 incredible days.”
On the field, coverage will be anchored by the U.S. Men’s National Team, which appears in its 12th World Cup. All three U.S. group-stage matches will air on FOX, beginning June 12 against Paraguay from Los Angeles. The Americans will also face Australia on June 19 in Seattle and conclude group play June 25 back in Los Angeles against the winner of UEFA Playoff C.
The broadcast network will carry every match from the Round of 16 onward, starting July 4 and continuing through the final on July 19 from the New York–New Jersey venue. FS1 will handle a significant portion of group-stage coverage, ensuring wall-to-wall availability throughout the opening weeks of the tournament.
Streaming will play a larger role than ever. Tubi, Fox Corporation’s ad-supported streaming service, will simulcast the opening ceremony and two opening matches in 4K at no cost, including the U.S. opener against Paraguay. The platform will also debut a dedicated FIFA World Cup FOX Hub in May 2026, featuring match coverage, original programming and a new docuseries, Destination World Cup 2026.
FOX Sports is also leaning into the tournament’s timing, which coincides with America’s 250th birthday. The network plans expanded July 4 coverage anchored by two Round of 16 matches and celebratory presentation elements.
The 2026 tournament will mark FOX Sports’ sixth World Cup presentation overall and its third men’s event. With expanded matches, deeper streaming integration and an aggressive broadcast strategy, FOX is signaling that the World Cup will be more than a sporting event — it will be the centerpiece of the summer television calendar.
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