FOX Sports and iHeartMedia have announced plans for radio coverage of the 2026 World Cup. The event will take place from June 11th through July 19th.
What We Know: iHeartMedia will carry FOX Sports’ network coverage of all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup on the iHeartRadio app. Additionally, matches featuring the U.S. Men’s National Team and the World Cup Final will be broadcast on more than 100 terrestrial radio stations.
What They Said: “With the biggest FIFA World Cup™ in tournament history right around the corner and taking place across the country, we’re excited to work with iHeartMedia to extend our FOX Sports match commentary even further through the #1 audio company in America.” -FOX Sports VP/Head of Programming and Scheduling Bill Wanger
“This summer’s World Cup will be the biggest yet, with more teams than ever competing as the U.S. Men’s National Team takes the global stage on home soil, and we’re thrilled to partner with FOX Sports to bring this monumental tournament to our combined audiences. This partnership allows us to deliver complete, live coverage at an unprecedented scale, reaching fans wherever they are — at home, in the car or on the go — and connecting them to the passion and unforgettable moments of the World Cup.” -iHeartMedia Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman
What Remains Unclear: It is unclear if the radio broadcasts will include pre- and post-match coverage. It is also unknown which broadcast radio stations will carry the USMNT and World Cup Final matches. The company did share that more than 100 FOX Sports Radio affiliates will broadcast those select matches.
What It Means: iHeartMedia has access to play-by-play audio of one of the most important events on the sports calendar. And by utilizing the FOX Sports broadcasts, it will cut down on costs for the network. It receives, conceivably, high-level programming at little or no cost. With games taking place in North America, the schedule is much more advertiser and listener-friendly than in years past.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
