With the world’s largest sporting event looming on the horizon, FOX Sports has officially unveiled its most ambitious broadcast strategy to date. As the exclusive English-language home of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, FOX has committed to airing all 104 matches live across its primary network and FS1, delivering a staggering 340 hours of first-run coverage.
A Record-Breaking Commitment
In a move that signals a massive shift in scale compared to previous editions, FOX will broadcast 70 matches on its main network—more than double the 34 times it aired matches during the 2022 tournament. The remaining 34 matches will find a home on FS1, ensuring that every minute of the expanded 48-team tournament is accessible to American viewers in 4K resolution.
“FIFA is putting on the biggest World Cup in history, and FOX Sports is living up to that standard,” said Eric Shanks, FOX Sports CEO and Executive Producer. Shanks emphasized that the 39-day “summer football festival” coincides with America’s 250th birthday, positioning the tournament as a central pillar of the nation’s celebrations.
Primetime and Streaming Strategy
For the first time, 40 matches will air during primetime slots, maximizing reach across North American time zones. The network has also confirmed that from the Round of 16 through to the Final, every single match will be broadcast on the main FOX channel.
To capture the digital audience, FOX is integrating a multi-platform approach:
- FOX Sports App & FOX One: Live streaming and on-demand access for all 104 matches.
- Tubi: FOX’s free streaming service will simulcast the opening ceremony and marquee early matches in 4K, while hosting a dedicated World Cup hub featuring the original docuseries Destination World Cup 2026.
The Challenge of an Expanded Field
With more teams and more games, FOX faces the creative challenge of maintaining viewer engagement for lower-stakes matchups. Success will depend on high-quality storytelling and commentary designed to turn every game into a “must-see event.” As the U.S., Canada, and Mexico prepare to host, FOX Sports is betting big that the “beautiful game” will dominate the American airwaves like never before.