Get ready for a television event of epic proportions. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Fox Sports is preparing to deliver a broadcast spectacle unlike any seen before on American airwaves. The network is poised to make history with its coverage plans for what promises to be the largest and most-watched World Cup ever staged.
A Primetime Powerhouse
Fox Sports will shatter records by broadcasting a staggering 40 World Cup matches in primetime during the 2026 tournament. This unprecedented lineup represents a landmark achievement for soccer broadcasting in the United States, offering fans more marquee nighttime action than ever before. The massive 104-match tournament, expanded to 48 teams, will see the majority of games accessible to the widest possible audience.
According to reports, 70 of the 104 total matches will receive over-the-air coverage on the Fox network, ensuring free access for millions of viewers. The remaining 34 contests will be showcased on FS1. This strategic split guarantees comprehensive coverage while placing the biggest games on the flagship channel. Of the 40 primetime broadcasts, 21 will air on FOX and 19 on FS1, creating a summer filled with must-see soccer under the lights.
Stars, Stripes, and Soccer
American fans have particular reason to circle their calendars. All three of the United States Men's National Team's group stage matches will be featured in Fox's primetime lineup on the main network. The USMNT opens against Paraguay on June 12, faces Australia on June 19, and concludes group play against a yet-to-be-determined UEFA opponent on June 25. These crucial games will be center stage for the entire nation.
The coverage extravaganza begins long before the first whistle. Fox is dramatically expanding its pregame shows, launching with a massive three-hour preview before the USMNT's opener against Paraguay. This commitment to buildup and analysis will set the tone for the entire tournament. The spectacle will culminate with another three-hour pregame show for the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, building anticipation for the championship match.
An Unprecedented Broadcast Commitment
When the final tally is calculated, Fox Sports will broadcast approximately 340 hours of tournament coverage. This represents a jaw-dropping increase of 100 hours compared to its coverage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This expanded footprint allows for deeper analysis, more expert commentary, enhanced features, and comprehensive wrap-up shows, immersing viewers in the tournament from every angle.
The 2026 World Cup was already destined for the history books as the first 48-team tournament, ensuring more nations, more players, and more stories than any previous edition. Combined with Fox Sports' monumental broadcast plans, the event is poised to captivate a global audience. Pundits and analysts widely predict it could become the most-watched event in human history, surpassing all previous television milestones.
Setting the Stage for Soccer History
This broadcast strategy signals a watershed moment for soccer in the American media landscape. By placing 40 matches in primetime, Fox is betting big on the sport's drawing power and the unique opportunity presented by a World Cup on North American soil. The extensive over-the-air coverage removes paywall barriers, inviting casual and die-hard fans alike to participate in the global celebration.
The countdown is officially on. With less than six months until the opening kickoff, Fox Sports is finalizing plans to deliver a viewing experience that matches the grandeur of the tournament itself. From the first group match to the final trophy lift, they are preparing to bring every moment of the beautiful game's biggest stage directly into living rooms across the nation, cementing their role in a historic summer of sport.
