Fox Sports Sets Expansive Coverage Plan for 2026 FIFA World Cup

The anticipation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is steadily building, and Fox Sports is preparing to deliver its most extensive and ambitious coverage plan to date for the expanded tournament. With 48 teams, 104 matches, and three host nations across North America, the event promises to be an unprecedented spectacle, and Fox Sports aims to immerse English-speaking audiences in every moment of the action.

Unprecedented Scale of Coverage

Fox Sports has committed to airing all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup live, marking a significant increase in broadcast volume. A record 69 of these matches will be shown on the main Fox broadcast network, while the remaining 35 will be carried by FS1. This expansive approach ensures that a substantial majority of games are available on terrestrial television, aiming for broad accessibility across the United States. Furthermore, the network plans to provide approximately 340 hours of World Cup-related programming, including extensive pre-game, half-time, and post-game analysis, which represents 100 more hours than its coverage of the 2022 tournament.

Multi-Platform Access for Fans

Beyond traditional television broadcasts, Fox Sports is leveraging its digital platforms to offer comprehensive streaming options. All 104 matches, along with auxiliary programming, will be available for live streaming via the Fox Sports app and FoxSports.com. While the app is free to download for iOS and Android devices, a subscription is typically required to access live content. This multi-platform strategy ensures that fans can follow the tournament from virtually anywhere, whether at home or on the go.

A North American Tournament of Firsts

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a historic event for several reasons. It marks the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams, expanding from the previous 32, and the first time it will be co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will unfold across 16 host cities from June 11 to July 19, 2026. For Canada, this will be its inaugural experience as a World Cup host, while the U.S. previously hosted in 1994, and Mexico in 1970 and 1986. The International Broadcast Center (IBC) for the event is slated to be in Dallas, Texas.

Fox Sports Executives on the Magnitude of the Event

Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer of Fox Sports, has characterized the 2026 FIFA World Cup as “the biggest production in our company’s 32-year history” and “the biggest logistical undertaking” the network has ever managed. He anticipates that the country will “go absolutely bonkers” for the tournament, especially with the potential for World Cup games to be played on July 4th, with one specifically mentioned for Philadelphia. Shanks has also highlighted the significance of American players representing their country on a global stage and the growth of soccer in the U.S., partly attributed to the rise of Major League Soccer.

Key Dates and the Road Ahead

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) automatically qualifies for the tournament as a co-host. While specific group stage matchups and kick-off times are yet to be finalized, the full broadcast schedule will be announced following the FIFA World Cup 26 Final Draw. This crucial event is scheduled to air live on Fox on December 5, 2025, from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Conclusion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a monumental moment for soccer in North America, and Fox Sports is gearing up to deliver a broadcast experience commensurate with the event’s scale. With an expanded format, more matches than ever before on broadcast television, and comprehensive digital streaming options, the network is poised to capture the excitement and stories of a truly global phenomenon.