World Cup 2026 TV Schedule USA and Streaming Links

World Cup 2026 TV Schedule

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to North America, marking the largest tournament in history. With 48 teams competing across 104 matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, US fans can expect more soccer than ever before.

In the United States, FOX Sports holds the English-language rights, while Telemundo and Universo provide Spanish-language coverage. Below is the complete streaming guide to ensure you don’t miss a single goal.

World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage: Dates & Venues

The 2026 tournament introduces the Round of 32, extending the knockout drama by an entire week.

• Round of 32: June 28 – July 3 (Venues include LA, Dallas, NJ, Miami, Seattle, and Mexico City)
• Round of 16: July 4 – July 7 (Independence Day matches in Philadelphia and Houston)
• Quarterfinals: July 9 – July 11 (Boston, Miami, Kansas City, and Los Angeles)
• Semifinals: July 14 – July 15 (Dallas/Arlington and Atlanta)
• Third-Place Playoff: July 18 (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami)
• World Cup Final: July 19 (MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey)

How to Watch World Cup 2026 in the USA

For the 2026 tournament, fans have more viewing options than ever across cable, satellite, and streaming.

Best Streaming Services for World Cup 2026

Our Pick: Includes: Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores, World Cup Qualifiers, 80+ Sports Channels Available
7-Day Free Trial

• Fubo: Provides FOX and FS1.
• DirecTV Stream: Includes the full suite of World Cup channels: FOX, FS1, Telemundo, and Universo.
• Sling Blue: The best budget option for English-language coverage (FS1 included, FOX in select markets).
• Hulu + Live TV: Includes the full suite of World Cup channels. A great choice for households that already use the Disney+ bundle.
• Peacock: The exclusive Spanish-language digital home; every match on Telemundo and Universo is available here.
• YouTube TV: Includes all matches via Fox/FS1.

World Cup 2026: Groups and Host Cities

With 48 teams, the tournament is divided into 12 groups of four.

Full Group Draw

• Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
• Group B: Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
• Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
• Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
• Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador
• Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
• Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
• Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
• Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
• Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
• Group K: Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan, Colombia
• Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

The 16 Host Cities

• United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle.
• Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey.
• Canada: Toronto, Vancouver.

History of the FIFA World Cup

For almost a century, the history of the FIFA World Cup has captivated supporters across the world. It is the ultimate event in the world’s most popular sport, growing from a modest goal of bringing people together into a massive spectacle that attracts billions of viewers.

Nothing in soccer can rival the prestige of the World Cup. While the UEFA Champions League delivers games of similar quality, it falls short of the status earned by the World Cup due to its long-standing tradition and the unique aspect of one team representing an entire country.

Supporters journey from various corners of the globe to witness their favorite teams play against the world’s most skilled soccer players. Teams representing Africa, Asia, Europe, North and Central America, the Caribbean, Oceania, and South America all compete for the title. In terms of significance, no other sports event can compete. The 2018 World Cup pulled in about 3.57 billion viewers, and engagement with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar hit 5 billion individuals.

Mexico will hold the unique distinction of being the first nation to host games in three different World Cups when it co-hosts the 2026 event with the United States and Canada.

The Origins of International Soccer

The concept of international soccer began in 1872 with a match between Scotland and England in Glasgow. By the early 1900s, the sport gained popularity and was featured as a demonstration sport at the Summer Olympics. FIFA was established in 1904 and attempted to set up an international competition in 1906, though it was initially deemed a failure.

Because of the Olympics’ strict ban on professional athletes at the time, a global tournament featuring the best professional teams was badly needed. FIFA started planning to host its own championship, and on May 26, 1928, the decision to organize the inaugural World Cup was formally announced.

From 13 Teams to a Global Phenomenon

Since the first tournament in Uruguay in 1930, the World Cup has been contested every four years, with the exception of 1942 and 1946 due to World War II. Contrast the magnificent event we know now with those humble beginnings: only 13 teams participated in the first tournament, where hosts Uruguay defeated Argentina 4-2 in the final.

The competition has experienced massive growth in its scale:

• Before 1978: Only 16 teams competed.
• 1982: The field grew to 24 teams.
• 1998: The tournament reached 32 teams.
• 2026: A record-breaking 48 teams will compete in North America.

Modern Era and Cultural Impact

Germany, Italy, and France rose to prominence in the 1990s and 2000s as the tournament became more than just a soccer competition. It now serves as a forum for diplomatic and cultural interaction. South Africa hosting the 2010 World Cup marked the first time the event was held in an African country, bringing a unique atmosphere and demonstrating the power of the sport to bring people together.

Nearing its centennial, the FIFA World Cup stands as a symbol of the power of sports. From those early days in Montevideo to the worldwide spectacle today, it is an indelible part of human culture. Beyond the excitement on the pitch, it functions as a cultural bridge, building understanding and solidarity across different nations.