Telemundo has announced what it calls the “most ambitious” coverage plan in its history for the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026. The network will broadcast 92 out of 104 matches on its main over-the-air channel, totaling 700 hours of World Cup-related programming—more than double the scheduled coverage of English-language rightsholder FOX.
A 17-Hour Daily Soccer Marathon
During the group stage, Telemundo will offer continuous coverage from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET. This 17-hour daily cycle will integrate sports analysis with entertainment, news, and culture to capture a broad demographic beyond hardcore soccer fans.
- Match Access: Only 12 simultaneous group-stage finales will be moved to Universo; the rest will remain on the flagship channel.
- Streaming: Every match will be available on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming platform.
- On-the-Ground Presence: The network will have staff at all 104 matches, featuring legendary voice Andrés Cantor and a roster of analysts representing every participating Hispanic nation.
Unparalleled Pitch-Side Access
Telemundo executive Joaquin Duro highlighted expanded access granted by FIFA, allowing cameras to capture teams during warm-ups inside the center circle and placing social media influencers behind the goals. “It’s probably a nightmare for finance,” Duro joked, referring to the massive logistical scale of the operation across North American host cities.
With the tournament being held on home soil and an expanding Hispanic population in the U.S., Telemundo expects the 2026 edition to shatter domestic viewership records.