
<p>FOX’s MLS coverage is doing a disservice to the league this season. </p>



<p>So far for 2023, none of the MLS games televised by FOX Sports are being called on-site. Instead, the duo of John Strong and Stu Holden are doing double duty of providing pre-game studio coverage as well as commentating games. To make matters worse, FOX isn’t even using their own studio. Instead, they’re flying Strong and Holden to a Vista Worldlink studio in South Florida every week. </p>



<p>Perhaps the best word to describe FOX’s MLS coverage is nonsensical. For instance, instead of FOX Sports broadcasting Saturday afternoon’s LAFC-Portland game from the stadium or its studios in Los Angeles, Holden and Strong called the game from the same studio that USL uses in Florida. That’s also the same studio that had a backdrop resembling a <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1629603829258891264" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shower curtain</a> in week one.</p>



<p>The timing couldn’t be worse for MLS and FOX. In the two Saturday games that FOX Sports have shown thus far, they televised the opening games of the weekend. Those broadcasts set the stage for the night of coverage on Apple TV, but because the TV broadcasts start so poorly, it tarnishes the league as a whole.</p>



<h2>FOX’s MLS coverage sets a low bar</h2>



<p>It appears that FOX doesn’t care about the way it broadcasts games. Very little to no effort is put into their work. And at the end of the day, it makes the broadcaster, MLS and league sponsor DoorDash look cheap. It’s also a bad look for talent such as Strong and Holden to be associated with these remote broadcasts. They deserve better.</p>



<p>This is all in stark contrast to the work that MLS and Apple TV are doing with <a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=wst_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l35s4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLS Season Pass</a>. Week one was <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-coverage-review-week-one-first-impressions-20230227-WST-421421.html">impressive</a>, with a few bumps. But week two was slicker. Overall, the league has never looked as good as it has on MLS Season Pass.</p>



<p>Since the games on FOX and FS1 are also on MLS Season Pass, we compared the picture quality and audio side-by-side. Apple TV’s picture is so much crisper. Plus it’s easy to hear the difference in audio quality too. You can tell the MLS Season Pass commentators are inside the stadium, for sure.</p>



<p>How can a league look so bad on television, but so good on streaming? By having the two extremes, the league’s coverage feels disjointed. Based on how much MLS has spent on its streaming coverage and how little FOX has spent on television, the two media are not in alignment.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="MLS SEASON PASS: Taylor Twellman interview 🎙️" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lQWEtsQiGwM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>Week 2 of MLS Season Pass coverage</h2>



<p>We love that MLS and Apple are taking the feedback from fans and critics to heart, and we saw that in week two with plenty of improvements.</p>



<p>The whip-around <em>MLS 360 </em>show was tighter, less talkative and showed loads of game coverage including more instances of allowing us to listen in to the match commentators, which I particularly loved. The addition of listing the announcers at the bottom of the screen when the broadcast tuned into their match commentary was the attention to detail we appreciate.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, the team of Liam McHugh, Sacha Kljestan, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Kaylyn Kyle are working so well together. To me, <em>MLS 360</em> is the best way to watch, learn and appreciate MLS. The news that it’s also <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mls-360-available-to-all-apple-tv-subscribers-20230303-WST-422121.html">available on Apple TV+</a> could give new viewers enough of a taste to add MLS Season Pass to their subscription.</p>



<p>On commentary, the stand-out stars on Saturday night were the duo of Eric Krakauer and Lloyd Sam for their calls of the Columbus-DC United game. Plus the addition of post-match interviews on MLS Season Pass was the cherry on top after hearing Keith Costigan and Brian Dunseth’s exceptional call of the Miami-Philadelphia game. That was followed by Costigan’s solid post-match interview where he got the best out of Inter Miami manager Phil Neville.</p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to Major League Soccer</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of MLS Season Pass!</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-faq-20230203-WST-413216.html/"><strong>Season Pass FAQ:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-faq-20230203-WST-413216.html/">answer your questions</a> about MLS Season Pass</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-get-mls-season-pass-20230203-WST-417725.html"><strong>Sign up:</strong></a> Learn <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-get-mls-season-pass-20230203-WST-417725.html">how to subscribe</a> to MLS Season Pass</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-announcers-and-analysts-for-apple-deal-20230203-WST-416042.html"><strong>Commentators:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-announcers-and-analysts-for-apple-deal-20230203-WST-416042.html">who&apos;s</a> calling the action for the MLS season</div>
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<p>Any room for improvement? <em>MLS 360</em>‘s fourth hour of coverage on Saturday night lost a lot of energy on-set at the time when Seattle’s game kicked off. Melissa Ortiz sat in to give some insight about the impact of MLS Season Pass in South America. However, by this point in the night, it’s almost as if MLS needed a whole new crew of analysts (or Taylor Twellman) to inject something new into the show to keep the west coast audience entertained.</p>


FOX's MLS coverage for the 2023 season has started poorly. The league's TV broadcaster sets a low bar for its soccer coverage.

FOX's MLS coverage is so bad in contrast to MLS Season Pass - World Soccer Talk

FOX's MLS coverage is so bad in contrast to MLS Season Pass

destacadas


<p>FOX is facing accusations of paying bribes to attain the World Cup rights. Originally, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2011/10/21/fox-wins-world-cup-tv-rights-in-u-s-for-2018-and-2022-says-report/">FOX acquired the World Cup rights</a> to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup rights back in 2011. It later <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fox-sports-and-telemundo-acquire-fifa-world-cup-2026-tv-rights-20150212-CMS-129892.html">added the 2026 rights</a> in 2015.</p>



<p>However, a court appearance on Tuesday for two former FOX executives could implicate that FOX paid bribes to help acquire the World Cup rights. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/16/sports/soccer/fifa-trial-fox.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ken Bensinger from the New York Times</a> reports Hernán López and Carlos Martínez are going on trial for wire fraud and money laundering charges. López is the former chief executive of FOX’s international channels. Meanwhile, Martínez is the former president of FOX’s subsidiary Latin American operations. </p>



<p>The accusations of bribery start with the two’s payment of “bribery and kickback payments” to 14 officials in South America in an attempt to land the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. Those are club competitions in South America. Then, Bensinger continues to say that these two FOX executives used relationships forged through these bribes to obtain “confidential information” that helped the broadcaster secure the 2018 and 2022 World Cup rights. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Remember the FIFA corruption case from years ago? It&apos;s not over.<br><br>Tomorrow the second trial begins in Brooklyn, and this time we could learn whether Fox got the TV rights for the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups through bribes.  <a href="https://t.co/YxJ3zAKOYO">https://t.co/YxJ3zAKOYO</a></p>— Ken Bensinger (@kenbensinger) <a href="https://twitter.com/kenbensinger/status/1615031881061498880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Not long after, FIFA awarded the 2026 World Cup rights to FOX. ESPN had no chance to bid on the tournament, and FOX was yet to broadcast any of the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.</p>



<p>Alejandro Burazco is the chief witness in this case involving López and Martínez. In 2017, Burazco said during a trial testimony that he helped the two former FOX executives cover up $3.7 million in bribery. Allegedly, the agreement used a phony contract with a firm FOX owned in part.</p>



<h2>Former FOX executives on trial for bribes regarding World Cup rights</h2>



<p>According to Bensinger, the trial could last anywhere between four to six weeks. Also, note that FOX itself is not on trial. Instead, it is two former employees that departed the company. Yet, if the court finds the pair guilty of bribery charges, they could face up to 20 years in prison. </p>



<p>Fox has denied any involvement in corruption.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</em></p>


On Tuesday, two former FOX executives go on trial for accusations of paying bribes that led to the broadcaster getting the World Cup rights.

Did FOX pay bribes to win World Cup rights?


<p>While Major League Soccer has a massive streaming deal, MLS has also acquired linear TV rights from both FOX and Univision. The entities announced a four-year deal, even though MLS’s streaming deal with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/apple-mls-announce-season-pass-for-2023-season-20221116-WST-408593.html">MLS Season Pass</a> on Apple is a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/10-things-we-learned-about-mls-and-apple-tv-deal-20221028-WST-406118.html">10-year agreement</a>.</p>



<p>FOX Sports’s channels, namely FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes, have exclusive English- and Spanish-language TV broadcasts of an average of 34 regular season and eight MLS Cup Playoff matches each season. Same goes for the MLS Cup Final. The linear TV home of that for the next four years is FOX for English-language broadcasts, and FOX Deportes for Spanish.</p>



<p>Noticeably, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/univision-acquires-leagues-cup-rights-but-passes-on-mls-20221213-WST-412190.html">Univision is not<strong> </strong>part of the deal</a> with MLS games. However, that does not mean MLS teams entirely exit the channel. Instead, Leagues Cup games, which involve all MLS and Liga MX teams, have a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/univision-acquires-leagues-cup-rights-but-passes-on-mls-20221213-WST-412190.html">linear Spanish-language home on Univision</a>. Select games are also available on UniMás and TUDN.</p>


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<p>For English-language Leagues Cup coverage, FOX’s channels have linear broadcasts of those games. The linear channels carry 10 group stage, four round of 32 and two round of 16 clashes. Notably, the Leagues Cup Final does not have English-language linear TV coverage. Instead, that is available exclusively through the <a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=wst_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l35s4"" target="blank" rel="noopener">MLS Season Pass</a>.</p>



<p>Of course, all MLS and Leagues Cup games are available via streaming from the <a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=wst_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l35s4"" target="blank" rel="noopener">MLS Season Pass</a> from Apple. This comes at a price point of $14.99 per month or $99 per season.</p>



<h2>MLS announces linear TV deals with FOX and Univision</h2>



<p>It is an unclear future for Major League Soccer. It no longer has games on ESPN, a home for the league since its inception. Also, the lack of Univision is the first time it is not part of the <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/mls-apple-fox-univision-espn-20221212.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLS-specific deal since 2007</a>. Now, all actual league games on TV run through FOX. </p>



<p>As stated, each regular season has 34 games on FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes. Moreover, 15 of those regular season games are on the FOX channel, which is an OTA channel. Additionally, there are eight Audi MLS Cup Playoff matches on those three channels. However, MLS has had discussion over <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mls-eyes-new-playoff-format-for-2023-20221026-WST-405812.html">changing its playoff structure</a>, bringing the total number of games up to what could be over 30 by this upcoming season. Consequently, there would be just a quarter of games available to linear viewers.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</em></p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to Major League Soccer</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of MLS Season Pass!</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-faq-20230203-WST-413216.html/"><strong>Season Pass FAQ:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-faq-20230203-WST-413216.html/">answer your questions</a> about MLS Season Pass</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-get-mls-season-pass-20230203-WST-417725.html"><strong>Sign up:</strong></a> Learn <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-get-mls-season-pass-20230203-WST-417725.html">how to subscribe</a> to MLS Season Pass</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-announcers-and-analysts-for-apple-deal-20230203-WST-416042.html"><strong>Commentators:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-announcers-and-analysts-for-apple-deal-20230203-WST-416042.html">who&apos;s</a> calling the action for the MLS season</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-watch-mls-season-pass-on-android-20230203-WST-416910.html"><strong>Android users</strong></a> Tips for fans <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-watch-mls-season-pass-on-android-20230203-WST-416910.html">Android users</a> on how to watch MLS Season Pass</div>
</div>

MLS announced its plans for linear TV coverage, with FOX and Univision both featuring MLS sides throughout the season, but in varying ways.

MLS picks up linear TV deals with FOX and Univision


<p>FOX Sports have acquired MLS TV rights beginning with the 2023 season, according to the <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/12/12/maria-taylor-to-host-nbc-primetime-big-ten-coverage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Post</a>.</p>



<p>Reporter Andrew Marchand says that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/espn-unlikely-to-renew-mls-tv-deal-speculates-industry-analyst-20221207-WST-411622.html">ESPN will no longer broadcast MLS games</a>. Instead, FOX Sports have renewed its deal with Major League Soccer, and is set to broadcast a select number of games on television each year. Earlier this year, FOX Sports reportedly offered MLS <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jabariyoung/2022/07/21/as-tv-deals-expire-major-league-soccer-fields-smaller-offers-from-espn-fox-sports/?sh=6d957a127fb8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$7 million per season</a> for TV rights.</p>



<p>With every single MLS game streaming exclusively via Apple’s <a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=wst_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l35s4"" target="blank" rel="noopener">MLS Season Pass</a> from 2023 through 2032, FOX’s deal with MLS is an interesting one. Largely, it’ll help MLS continue to be showcased on television. </p>



<p>Despite the MLS-FOX deal, the domestic league will find itself with fewer games on television before since ESPN are out. Meanwhile, Spanish-language rights are up in the air with TelevisaUnivision not in any rush to sign a deal, if at all.</p>



<h2>MLS’ deal with Apple didn’t incentivize FOX or ESPN</h2>



<p>In June 2022, when <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/06/14/mls-signs-10-year-deal-with-apple-tv-in-global-deal/">Major League Soccer’s deal with Apple</a> was announced, it gave both ESPN and FOX Sports very little incentive to bid on MLS TV rights. After all, why broadcast non-exclusive MLS games on TV that indirectly help sell subscriptions to Apple’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/apple-mls-announce-season-pass-for-2023-season-20221116-WST-408593.html">MLS Season Pass</a>?</p>


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<h5 style="color: white;">Includes every MLS match, MLS Cup, Leagues Cup, select MLS NEXT Pro games + exclusive content</h5>
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<p><em>The New York Post</em> summed it up best:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>“Sources said MLS had a standoff with FOX and ESPN. Both networks balked at paying much of anything for the games. In the original bidding, neither network was anywhere near the price compared to Apple’s guarantee of $250 million per season. ESPN finally walked away from negotiations, leaving FOX as the lone bidder and willing to take the programming.”</p></blockquote>



<p>Now with ESPN reportedly out and FOX in for MLS, there’s another issuing confronting Major League Soccer. That is, FOX Sports’ poor MLS TV viewing numbers. During 2022, MLS games across FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes <a href="https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2022/10/21/Media/MLS-Viewership.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">declined 6%</a> compared to the previous year. Viewership averaged 198,000 per game.</p>



<p>Given FOX’s underwhelming <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/foxs-world-cup-coverage-illustrates-how-not-to-televise-soccer-20221126-WST-409921.html">coverage of the 2022 World Cup</a>, both MLS and FOX have a lot of work ahead of the 2023 season.</p>



<p>However, it’s quite possible that FOX Sports may be an unintended benefactor of the new deal particularly if MLS signs someone <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lionel-messi-set-to-join-inter-miami-next-season-20221127-WST-410235.html">such as Lionel Messi</a>. That one signing alone would result in a major TV ratings bonanza.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Big changes ahead for US Soccer and MLS" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hxhD4gChgW0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to Major League Soccer</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of MLS Season Pass!</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-faq-20230203-WST-413216.html/"><strong>Season Pass FAQ:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-faq-20230203-WST-413216.html/">answer your questions</a> about MLS Season Pass</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-get-mls-season-pass-20230203-WST-417725.html"><strong>Sign up:</strong></a> Learn <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-get-mls-season-pass-20230203-WST-417725.html">how to subscribe</a> to MLS Season Pass</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-announcers-and-analysts-for-apple-deal-20230203-WST-416042.html"><strong>Commentators:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-announcers-and-analysts-for-apple-deal-20230203-WST-416042.html">who&apos;s</a> calling the action for the MLS season</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-watch-mls-season-pass-on-android-20230203-WST-416910.html"><strong>Android users</strong></a> Tips for fans <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-watch-mls-season-pass-on-android-20230203-WST-416910.html">Android users</a> on how to watch MLS Season Pass</div>
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FOX MLS TV rights are renewed for the 2023 season onwards, which will see Major League Soccer continue to be televised in the US.

FOX Sports acquire MLS TV rights, says report - World Soccer Talk

FOX Sports acquire MLS TV rights, says report


<p>A total of 16.5 million watched USA-Netherlands across FOX Sports and Telemundo combined in the World Cup knockout round on Saturday.</p>



<p>It wasn’t the result that soccer fans in the United States wanted, but it certainly delivered in the TV ratings department for both FOX Sports and Telemundo.</p>



<h2>USA-Netherlands: Diving into the details</h2>



<p>On the over-the-air FOX network and its streaming services combined, 12.966 million watched the game. Of that number, 596,850 watched the game on FOX Sports streaming services such as the FOX Sports App and Tubi.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, 3.58 million watched the game on Telemundo Deportes and its streaming services (<a href="https://imp.i305175.net/c/330866/1313913/11640" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peacock</a> and the Telemundo Deportes app).</p>



<p>The total of 16,546,000 was the second-most watched US Men’s National Team game of the 2022 World Cup:</p>



<p>USA-England: <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/world-cup-viewership-for-usa-england-breaks-record-20221127-WST-410179.html">19.9 million viewers</a><br>Iran-USA: <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/15-5-million-watch-us-iran-on-fox-and-telemundo-20221201-WST-410648.html">15.5 million viewers</a><br>USA-Wales: <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/11-7-million-watch-usa-wales-across-fox-and-telemundo-20221123-WST-409568.html">11.7 million viewers</a></p>



<h2>Cities getting behind US for USA-Netherlands</h2>



<p>Here are the top five television markets for the US-Netherlands viewership, according to FOX Sports:</p>



<p>1. Cincinnati <br>2. St Louis <br>3. Washington DC <br>4. Kansas City <br>5. Austin</p>



<p>Meanwhile, Telemundo Deportes reports that through 48 matches across its first 13 days, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is averaging a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 2.07 million viewers across Telemundo, Universo, Peacock and Telemundo streaming platforms, up 5% vs. the 2018 tournament (1.97 million), which was played in Russia in the summer. This year’s World Cup is the first to take place in the fall to offset Qatar’s extreme summer heat.</p>



<p>Overall, streaming has comprised 28% of Telemundo’s total viewership for the World Cup, an unprecedented figure. Telemundo is averaging a TAD of 2.07 million viewers through the first 48 matches across all platforms with streaming responsible for 578,000 of those viewers on Peacock and Telemundo streaming platforms (Average Minute Audience), which is up 160% vs. 2018 (222,000).</p>



<p>Coverage of the 2022 World Cup continues today through December 18. Don’t miss a single game with our comprehensive <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">World Cup television and streaming schedule</a>.</p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


A total of 16.5 million watched USA-Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup in a game where the United States was knocked out.

16.5 million watched USA-Netherlands on US TV and streaming - World Soccer Talk

16.5 million watched USA-Netherlands on US TV and streaming


<p>There’s nothing wrong with having some fun on the set. But when the joke is on FOX Sports, should we be surprised? For more than a decade, FOX Sports have been the butt of jokes among soccer fans in the United States. So with in mind, we look at the top six funniest mistakes of FOX’s World Cup coverage they’ve made on live television so far.</p>



<p>After all, with FOX’s World Cup coverage, sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.</p>



<h2>Top 6 funniest mistakes of FOX’s World Cup</h2>



<p><strong>1. FOX screws up World Cup bracket live on television</strong></p>



<p>After the final match of the World Cup group stage, we finally knew all 16 teams that had qualified for the knockout round. So, what did FOX Sports do? Instead of showing the correct lineup of games for the Round of 16, they managed to screw it up live on TV (see screengrab below). Their bracket showed Spain facing Croatia, and Morocco against Japan.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20221204_WST_410994_fox-sports-bracket-screwup-1200x670.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-411104" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/12/fox-sports-bracket-screwup-1200x670.jpeg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/12/fox-sports-bracket-screwup-300x168.jpeg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/12/fox-sports-bracket-screwup-768x429.jpeg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/12/fox-sports-bracket-screwup.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<p>Anyone following the World Cup knows that it should have been Spain against Morocco and Croatia against Japan.</p>



<p><strong>2. FOX commentators can’t keep score</strong></p>



<p>When you have a Group of Death with all of the games coming down to the final 90 minutes to determine who advances, you do your homework beforehand. As a commentator and/or analyst, you figure out what’s needed for each team to advance to the next round.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How much worse can some of FOX&apos;s World Cup commentators get? Viewers watching Japan-Spain were given wrong details by commentators Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton. <a href="https://t.co/SPdApgiYKc">https://t.co/SPdApgiYKc</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1598502484632141824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>So in the game between Japan and Spain that was commentated by FOX Sports’ Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton, the unbelievable happened. They were so bad in understanding what was happening that they said many times during the commentary that Spain would get knocked out if they lost and if Germany won.</p>



<p>In fact, Spain did lose (2-1 to Japan) and Germany did win (4-2 against Costa Rica). Yet, both Spain and Japan advanced.</p>



<p>Barton, in particular, was saying during the broadcast that Spain needed an equalizer in order to advance, which was completely erroneous. Perhaps Barton didn’t do well in mathematics in school, but this was a laughable, schoolboy error by Barton and <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewMarchand/status/1598417956022751232" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jacqui Oatley</a> in a game with major implications.</p>



<p>And this is from the same FOX pundit who <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1597187124075565056" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">doesn’t mention player names</a> unless it’s someone famous or an anglicized name.</p>



<p><strong>3. Gag order silences FOX’s over-talkative commentator</strong></p>



<p>Before the World Cup began, FOX’s lead producer for its World Cup coverage <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fox-sports-to-hide-the-truth-from-world-cup-viewers-20221014-WST-404413.html">promised</a> that “If it affects what happens on the field of play, we will cover it and cover it fully.” This was in response to whether FOX Sports would discuss any of the human rights abuses and lack of freedoms in host country Qatar.</p>



<p>So when a major incident happening unexpectedly during the Portugal-Uruguay game, FOX’s policy was put to the test. A pitch invader ran on to the field, stopped play and it was plainly evident that he was <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/protestor-rainbow-flag-runs-field-world-cup-rcna59064" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carrying a large Pride flag</a>. On the front of his shirt were the words “Save Ukraine.” On the back, his T-shirt proclaimed “Respect for Iranian woman.”</p>



<p>So given FOX’s promise that they would cover what happens on the field fully, what did they do? The always over-talkative duo of FOX Sports lead commentator John Strong and analyst Stu Holden were at a loss for words. All he could muster was “The play will be stopped here because someone who has come onto the field.”</p>



<p>And that was followed by 50 seconds of stone cold silence.</p>



<p>The funny thing is that the game was also simulcast on SiriusXM where the satellite radio firm uses the FOX Sports audio feed. They must have been wondering why there was a rare silence.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FOX doesn&apos;t control the video; it&apos;s the same for everyone worldwide. <br><br>All FOX Sports&apos; John Strong could say about it was "The play will be stopped here because someone who has come onto the field" followed by 50 seconds of rare silence from Strong and Stu Holden. <a href="https://t.co/UgBEzggaf7">pic.twitter.com/UgBEzggaf7</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1597324651663093760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p><strong>4. FOX’s dumbing down of soccer coverage continues</strong></p>



<p>If you thought that instance of FOX censoring itself from covering the World Cup was laughable, get a load of this. Consider these two examples of FOX Sports completely ignoring major World Cup talking points on their television coverage:</p>



<ol><li><strong>The OneLove armband controversy. </strong>Germany’s team photo pre-match with all of their players covering their mouths as a protest against FIFA trying to silence soccer players is arguably the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/qatar-tv-mock-germanys-team-photo-with-mouths-covered-20221202-WST-410848.html">most iconic image of the World Cup</a>. Except that FOX Sports’ live television coverage didn’t show it. And they never mentioned it or showed the image during its TV broadcasts. In fact, even before the Germany-Japan game kicked off, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/germany-claims-extreme-blackmail-forced-armbands-change-20221122-WST-409423.html">OneLove armband controversy</a> was the biggest story in the World Cup. Yet FOX Sports continued to completely ignore the topic on television.<br></li><li><strong>Iran flag controversy.</strong> Two days prior to the USA versus Iran game, the biggest topic about the US national team was the controversy coming out of the <a href="https://www.twitter.com/usmnt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USMNT social media account</a>. Whether it was done accidentally or on purpose, US Soccer’s decision to remove the islamic republic symbol from the images of the Iran flag was <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/us-soccer-removes-images-that-supported-iran-protests-20221127-WST-410200.html">political dynamite</a>. So how did US broadcaster FOX Sports cover the story? They completely ignored it. And it’s not like FOX Sports to not talk about any topic involving the US Men’s National Team, right?</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of the biggest takeaways from this World Cup is that Fox needs to change everything about its soccer coverage. Rip it all up and start again.</p>— Bob Williams (@WilliamsBob75) <a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamsBob75/status/1599425374718263296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p><strong>5. FOX Sports can’t pronounce names of world-famous soccer stars</strong></p>



<p>When your “talent” has issues pronouncing world-class soccer players such as Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller, as well as Serge Gnabry, you know you have problems. Host Jenny Taft and pundit Kelly Smith stumbled over the names of the German stars shortly before kickoff against Japan. What makes matters worse is that Smith did the same thing during FOX’s coverage of World Cup 2018.</p>



<p>It’s another example of the funniest mistakes of FOX’s World Cup. It shows a lack of preparation. How much worse can they get?</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fox called Serge Gnabry “Zair-gay Guhnabery” and Yuto Nagotomo “Nagomoto”</p>— Jake Fenner (@jakefenner_) <a href="https://twitter.com/jakefenner_/status/1595400233223163905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p><strong>6. FOX’s bait-and-switch over World Cup start times</strong></p>



<p>If you’re like us who have spoken to many casual sports fans during the World Cup, one the most common pieces of feedback we’ve heard about FOX’s World Cup coverage is that they’re tricking viewers into tuning in an hour before kickoff time to watch the game.</p>



<p>Even before the World Cup, FOX Sports have been known for advertising games with the start of their pre-match coverage instead of the kickoff time like other nations do it. It’s a bait and switch tactic by FOX Sports to “force” people to watch their pre-match coverage.</p>



<p>Anyone who has watched this World Cup on FOX knows that they constantly promote upcoming coverage. However, as <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/11/21/fox-sports-disrespecting-fans-with-world-cup-dishonesty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Post reporter Andrew Marchand</a> eloquently put it:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>“What time do you want to meet for lunch? Be there at 1PM, but I’m not showing up until 2PM to eat.</p><p>“This is how FOX Sports dishonestly promotes the World Cup start times. It is disrespectful, though, not unexpected.</p><p>“…Eight years in the waiting United States match against Wales, FOX’s graphics kept saying that ‘coverage begins at 1.’</p><p>“One problem? Kickoff was at 2.”</p></blockquote>



<h2>Final thoughts</h2>



<p>Based on the above errors, it’s not surprising for World Cup 2022, many soccer fans have switched to watching World Cup games on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/telemundo/">Telemundo</a> and <a href="https://imp.i305175.net/c/330866/1313913/11640" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peacock</a>. Others have found <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/americans-boycotting-foxs-world-cup-for-bbc-radio-20221202-WST-410323.html">alternate means</a>.</p>



<p>After all, FOX Sports have to remember that people are tuning in to watch the World Cup, not FOX. What FOX does offer is accessibility of the games, a studio set that looks like a million of dollars, and coverage that’s in the English language. They are the path of least resistance for people who don’t know any better. </p>



<p>Watch enough of FOX and you’ll quickly see that they try to make it all about them. Whether it’s the silly suits, bro culture on display, or posing in front of the cameras, this has devolved into some of the worst World Cup coverage we have ever seen on these shores. Yes, there has been <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/good-and-bad-from-fox-and-telemundos-world-cup-coverage-20221123-WST-409682.html">some good coverage on FOX</a>.</p>



<p>However, the funny thing about FOX is that they believe their own hype. And that’s perhaps the funniest thing about all of their World Cup coverage.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / ANP</em></p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>



<p></p>


FOX's comedy of errors at Qatar 2022 is a case study on how not to broadcast soccer. Here are the funniest mistakes of FOX's World Cup.

Funniest mistakes of FOX's World Cup coverage so far - World Soccer Talk

Funniest mistakes of FOX's World Cup coverage so far


<p>The first several days of Group Stage action at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar has been engulfed in controversy off-the-pitch but has also delivered some incredibly compelling action on-the-pitch. When it comes to FOX and Telemundo’s World Cup coverage, it’s been a mix of good and bad so far.</p>



<p>US rights-holders FOX Sports (English) and Telemundo Deportes (Spanish) have taken different approaches to the presentation of the competition. Both broadcasters have strengths and weaknesses we’ve seen thus far in the tournament through eight matches.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>FOX Sports’ coverage of World Cup 2022</h2>



<p>Let’s start with English-language broadcaster FOX Sports. Despite intense coverage of the controversies connected with Qatar and FIFA from US-based media outlets ranging from <a href="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2022/11/new-espn-e60-examines-controversy-surrounding-qatars-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN</a> to <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80221113" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Netflix</a> and the <em>New York Times</em>, FOX has made the editorial decision to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fox-sports-to-hide-the-truth-from-world-cup-viewers-20221014-WST-404413.html">ignore these controversies</a>. </p>



<p>That is all good and well and can be defended as keeping the sport and competition in focus. However, FOX’s decision to spend much of its 90 minute pregame program on Sunday promoting Qatar left a very bad taste in the mouths of many. Rob Stone and Alexi Lalas were so over the top in their faux enthusiasm for Qatar that it appeared they were either “working” for the Qatari government or tourism board.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FOX Sports brown nosing Qatar is already making this feel like an infomercial for Qatar. Here&apos;s how BBC are covering the games. <a href="https://t.co/SYXrAtHtfx">pic.twitter.com/SYXrAtHtfx</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1594354245351899139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Stone, who was <a href="https://www.si.com/college/2020/11/05/fox-sports-big-noon-kickoff-out-covid-19-protocols" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">isolated due to COVID</a> two weeks ago, has not appeared on the FOX since the pre-match coverage of Qatar-Ecuador. He’s been replaced by Jenny Taft, Kate Ad and Tom Rinaldi – all doing a credible job. Taft, in particular, has proven smooth and sharp as a presenter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lalas has stood out among studio commentators for his willingness to challenge conventional norms and give some useful defensive tactical analysis. His break-down of Saudi Arabia’s defensive solidity and strategy in their stunning <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/saudi-arabia-stun-argentina-in-world-cup-classic-20221122-WST-409426.html">2-1 upset of Argentina</a> was a high point for FOX’s coverage. Eni Aluko has continued her strong performances in past tournaments both on UK and US television with some excellent analysis for FOX.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Assessment of FOX’s World Cup commentators</h2>



<p>Similarly that match, which was called by JP Dellacamera and Cobi Jones, highlighted how well FOX can do with commentary when something epic or unexpected is happening. Dr. Joe Machnik and Mark Clattenburg chiming in with rules interpretations has been timely, especially&nbsp;during the Argentina-Saudi Arabia match where close offside decisions were a major talking point. Similarly the team of Jaqui Oatley and Warren Barton were excellent. And Barton, who we’ve criticized in the past, has grown immensely as a co-commentator.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On Monday, Ian Darke and John Strong called the biggest matches of the day for FOX. Both commentators have a talkative style, and are flanked by co-commentators in Landon Donovan and Stu Holden respectively who are very tactically savvy in their analysis. This has led to a good conversational style in the booth and some interesting discussions between the pairings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The standout of FOX’s coverage thus far from my vantage point has been Clint Dempsey. We’ve become accustomed to him on CBS Sports, where he has brought an attitude and willingness to speak with hyperbole to the set. The “soccer dude,” as I dub him, has been a stroke of lighting in a bottle for FOX, and is growing ever more comfortable as an on-camera presence as his broadcasting career continues to develop.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>FOX’s production issues</h2>



<p>While FOX’s commentary teams and presenters have been solid, the production quality of the broadcasts have been shaky at times. FOX returned late to the Denmark-Tunisia match from halftime, and after the same match concluded they had an abrupt shift to a show about the NFL on FS1. </p>



<p>Later on Tuesday, on the FOX network, we got a blank screen following the full time whistle of Poland-Mexico. </p>



<p>We have also had a few clunky transitions from match to studio, but that can always be expected early in a major tournament.&nbsp;</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="FOX&apos;s Landon Donovan on #USMNT &amp; World Cup 🏆" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_FMhO4n0R0c?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>These production snafus have unfortunately been a long-term problem with FOX’s coverage of this sport, and while the commentary and presentation of the tournament is miles ahead of where it was at Russia 2018, FOX remains far less crisp in how they produce matches and tournaments than their predecessor ESPN was.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>What makes FOX Sports different</h2>



<p>FOX seems to have leveraged the full media network still under the News Corp umbrella to promote their coverage. This was not the case in 2018, nor was it ever the case when ESPN and ABC televised previous World Cups. While Disney tooled its sports division to promoting the World Cup, they never did quite what FOX has this time in terms of pushing the World Cup into mainstream primetime television and every other sporting property FOX airs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The other major talking point about FOX is their obsession with Americanizing soccer coverage. While this does not fit my personal preferences as a more cosmopolitan fan of the sport, the reality is this. FOX is trying to attract casual sports and doing a good job of it. The over-emphasis on the US Men’s National Team, while annoying and somewhat patronizing given the lack of focus on the US’ opposition in the opening match, is what the audience wants. This is despite, however, skewed and delusional the analysis may sound to more seasoned soccer fans.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="How to watch the WORLD CUP on TV &amp; Streaming 🏆" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QBTAwTxc7qY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>Telemundo’s coverage of World Cup 2022</h2>



<p>FOX faces unprecedented competition for World Cup viewers this go-round. Not only is the World Cup being played in the winter, thus competing with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/foxs-world-cup-viewership-faces-nfl-in-battle-for-tv-ratings-20221119-WST-408872.html">American football and the holiday season</a> as well, in addition to NBCUniversal’s efforts to promote their Spanish language broadcasts among core soccer fans who may have a dissatisfaction with the way FOX presents the tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Telemundo Deportes began its coverage Sunday with a different approach. They went directly at the controversies related to Qatar, and even addressed the controversy about Ecuador’s qualification for the competition. Telemundo’s coverage has been solid, with the usual colorful presentation we expect. For the broadcaster though, the tournament’s first two days was one big build up in hype to Mexico’s opener against Poland, with Telemundo very much treating Mexico the way FOX treats the US.</p>



<p>A refreshing element of Telemundo’s coverage was an <a href="https://twitter.com/TelemundoSports/status/1594761402484391936" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extensive feature on </a>Wales, qualifying for their first World Cup since 1958. This included an interview with Tottenham legend Cliff Jones, now 87 years old who was part of that Wales 1958 squad. This is the sort of feature I’d have loved to see on FOX or even on ESPNFC’s shoulder programming around the World Cup.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Why Peacock is enticing to many soccer fans</h2>



<p>The linear coverage on Telemundo is one piece of NBCUniversal’s attempts to win over English-language dominant hard-core soccer fan. But perhaps more importantly is the effort to migrate viewers who are accustomed to watching the Premier League on <a href="https://imp.i305175.net/c/330866/1313913/11640" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peacock</a> to the Telemundo coverage streaming in Peacock.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Watching Peacock for the World Cup allows you to see one continuous stream of matches, unlike what the streaming service does for the Premier League, and the quality of picture at least for me is superior to linear Telemundo or FOX either on linear or streaming. Much like the Premier League broadcasts, if you tune in late on Peacock, you have the option of reviewing key plays in the match to that point in time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The only drawback of watching Peacock is that the stream tends to fall behind the linear coverage by as much as forty seconds in my experience thus far. If you can take missing the moment at the very second it happens, then Peacock offers a really handy, streaming option.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thus far into the World Cup, the premier sporting event on the globe has a bigger footprint in the US than ever before thanks to the competition between FOX and NBCUniversal as well as some serious upgrades to coverage and promotion.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Feel free to share your feedback about FOX and Telemundo’s World Cup coverage; post your messages in the comments section below.</em></p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Read our analysis of the good and bad from the first few days of FOX and Telemundo's World Cup coverage from Qatar 2022.

Good and bad from FOX and Telemundo's World Cup coverage - World Soccer Talk

Good and bad from FOX and Telemundo's World Cup coverage


<p>The World Cup commentator schedule on FOX and FS1 brings an air of excitement in the tournament nearer. This year, FOX brings an array of talent and experience to Qatar, with a number of exciting games on the docket.</p>



<p>The familiar pairing of John Strong and Stu Holden are in store for many games at the World Cup. The pair called the World Cup Final, among other games, at the 2018 World Cup. Now, <a href="https://foxsports.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FOX</a> gets its first World Cup that features the United States Men’s National Team. Surely, that is a boost to the network’s coverage of the tournament. </p>



<p>The rest of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fox-world-cup-commentators-for-qatar-2022-20221017-WST-404697.html">FOX Sports World Cup crew</a> features the impressive resumes of Ian Darke and Derek Rae. Rae worked for FOX at Russia 2018, having worked World Cups for decades, including 2010 and 2014 with ESPN. Ian Darke also featured on the ESPN crews in 2010 and 2014. Now, he makes a first appearance with FOX. </p>



<p>The rest of the commentary crew features former USMNT international Cobi Jones and USWNT star Aly Wagner. Plus, making his World Cup commentary debut, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/landon-donovan-on-ian-darkes-call-of-his-2010-world-cup-goal-20221116-WST-408549.html">Landon Donovan works alongside the aforementioned Ian Darke</a>.</p>



<p>The World Cup commentator schedule shapes up nicely.</p>



<h2>2022 World Cup commentator Schedule on FOX</h2>



<p><em>All of the following times are U.S. Eastern Time.</em></p>


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<td width="30%"><a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866&amp;subId1=worldcuptvschedule" target="blank" rel="noopener"><div><figure class="image"><img src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20221117_WST_405572_FuboTV.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" alt="Fubo"></figure></div></a></td>
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<h4 style="color: white">Watch World Cup 2022</h4>
<p style="color: white">Includes: FIFA World Cup, Gold Cup + 84 Sports Channels</p>
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<td><a class="button" href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866&amp;subId1=worldcuptvschedule" target="blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: white"><strong>7-Day Free Trial</strong></span></a></td>
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<h5>Sunday, Nov. 20</h5>



<p>11 a.m. — Qatar vs. Ecuador. FS1. — John Strong and Stu Holden</p>



<h5>Monday, Nov. 21</h5>



<p>8 a.m. — England vs. Iran. FS1. — Ian Darke and Landon Donovan</p>



<p>11 a.m. — Senegal vs. Netherlands. FOX. — Derek Rae and Aly Wagner</p>



<p>2 p.m. — United States vs. Wales. FOX. — John Strong and Stu Holden</p>



<h5>Tuesday, Nov. 22</h5>



<p>5 a.m. — Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia. FS1. — JP Dellacamera and Cobi Jones</p>



<p>8 a.m. — Denmark vs. Tunisia. FS1. — Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton</p>



<p>11 a.m. — Mexico vs. Poland. FOX. — Ian Darke and Landon Donovan</p>



<p>2 p.m. — France vs. Australia. FOX. — John Strong and Stu Holden</p>



<h5>Wednesday, Nov. 23</h5>



<p>5 a.m. — Morocco vs. Croatia. FS1. — Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton</p>



<p>8 a.m. — Germany vs. Japan. FS1. — Derek Rae and Aly Wagner</p>



<p>11 a.m. — Spain vs. Costa Rica. FOX. — Ian Darke and Landon Donovan</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Belgium vs. Canada. FOX. — JP Dellacamera and Cobi Jones</p>



<h5>Thursday, Nov. 24</h5>



<p>5 a.m. — Switzerland vs. Cameroon. FS1. — Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton</p>



<p>8 a.m. — Uruguay vs. South Korea. FS1. — Ian Darke and Landon Donovan</p>



<p>11 a.m. — Portugal vs. Ghana. FOX. — Derek Rae and Aly Wagner</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Brazil vs. Serbia. FOX. — John Strong and Stu Holden</p>



<h5>Friday, Nov. 25</h5>



<p>5 a.m. — Wales vs. Iran. FS1. — Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton</p>



<p>8 a.m. — Qatar vs. Senegal. FS1. — JP Dellacamera and Cobi Jones</p>



<p>11 a.m. — Netherlands vs. Ecuador. FOX. — Derek Rae and Aly Wagner</p>



<p>2 p.m. — England vs. United States. FOX. — John Strong and Stu Holden</p>



<h5>Saturday, Nov. 26</h5>



<p>5 a.m. — Australia vs. Tunisia. FS1. — Ian Darke and Maurice Edu</p>



<p>8 a.m. — Poland vs. Saudi Arabia. FS1. — Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton</p>



<p>11 a.m. — France vs. Denmark. FS1. — JP Dellacamera and Cobi Jones</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Argentina vs. Mexico. FS1. — John Strong and Stu Holden</p>



<h5>Sunday, Nov. 27</h5>



<p>5 a.m. — Japan vs. Costa Rica. FS1. — Ian Darke and Landon Donovan</p>



<p>8 a.m. — Belgium vs. Morocco. FS1. — Derek Rae and Aly Wagner</p>



<p>11 a.m. — Croatia vs. Canada. FS1. — JP Dellacamera and Cobi Jones</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Spain vs. Germany. FS1. — John Strong and Stu Holden</p>



<h5>Monday, Nov. 28</h5>



<p>5 a.m. — Cameroon vs. Serbia. FS1. — Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton</p>



<p>8 a.m. — South Korea vs. Ghana. FS1. — Ian Darke and Landon Donovan</p>



<p>11 a.m. — Brazil vs. Switzerland. FOX. — Derek Rae and Aly Wagner</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Portugal vs. Uruguay. FOX. — John Strong and Stu Holden</p>



<h5>Tuesday, Nov. 29</h5>



<p>10 a.m. — Ecuador vs. Senegal. FS1. — JP Dellacamera and Cobi Jones</p>



<p>10 a.m. — Netherlands vs. Qatar. FOX. — Derek Rae and Aly Wagner</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Iran vs. United States. FOX. — John Strong and Stu Holden</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Wales vs. England. FS1. — Ian Darke and Landon Donovan</p>



<h5>Wednesday, Nov. 30</h5>



<p>10 a.m. — Tunisia vs. France. FOX. — JP Dellacamera and Cobi Jones</p>



<p>10 a.m. — Australia vs. Denmark. FS1. — Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Poland vs. Argentina. FOX. — John Strong and Stu Holden</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico. FS1. — Ian Darke and Landon Donovan</p>



<h5>Thursday, Dec. 1</h5>



<p>10 a.m. — Croatia vs. Belgium. FOX. — Ian Darke and Landon Donovan</p>



<p>10 a.m. — Canada vs. Morocco. FS1. — JP Dellacamera and Cobi Jones</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Costa Rica vs. Germany. FS1. — Derek Rae and Aly Wagner</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Japan vs. Spain. FOX. — Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton</p>



<h5>Friday, Dec. 2</h5>



<p>10 a.m. — Ghana vs. Uruguay. FS1. — JP Dellacamera and Cobi Jones</p>



<p>10 a.m. — South Korea vs. Portugal. FOX. — Derek Rae and Aly Wagner</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Cameroon vs. Brazil. FOX. — John Strong and Stu Holden</p>



<p>2 p.m. — Serbia vs. Switzerland. FS1. — Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton</p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


FOX's World Cup commentator schedule runs throughout the tournament and feature s a mix of fresh talent and familiar faces.

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