The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest edition in tournament history, and the official draw has already handed fans plenty to talk about. The United States will open its campaign in Los Angeles against Paraguay, while Mexico gets the honor of launching the tournament in Mexico City against South Africa.
With matches spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada, this World Cup brings a larger field, more games and a packed viewing calendar. If you’re trying to figure out how to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup on TV and streaming, here’s the clean, no-nonsense guide.
How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S.
In the United States, English-language coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will air across Fox and FS1. Viewers can also stream matches through the Fox Sports app and FOXSports.com with a valid TV provider login.
Spanish-language coverage will be available through Telemundo and Universo, with streaming expected on Peacock for select matches and Spanish-language coverage. Live TV streaming services that carry Fox, FS1, Telemundo or Universo may also offer access, depending on your local market and subscription package.
Is the 2026 World Cup Available in the UK and EU?
Yes, the World Cup will be available in the UK, with coverage expected across BBC and ITV, alongside streaming options via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. That means UK viewers should be able to watch matches on free-to-air television and online, though exact game assignments will be confirmed closer to kickoff.
Across the EU, World Cup broadcast rights vary by country. Fans should check their local FIFA rights holder, national broadcaster or sports streaming service for confirmed TV channels and online viewing options.
2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Match and Key Fixtures
The tournament officially begins in Mexico City, where Mexico faces South Africa in the opening match. It’s a fitting start for a World Cup shared by three host nations and played across some of North America’s most recognizable stadiums.
For U.S. fans, the spotlight quickly shifts to Los Angeles, where the USMNT begins group play against Paraguay. That matchup is already one of the marquee early games, not only because of the home-soil pressure but also because the expanded tournament format leaves very little room for a slow start.
2026 FIFA World Cup Groups and Tournament Format
The 2026 World Cup features an expanded 48-team field, making it the largest men’s World Cup ever staged. Teams are divided into groups, with the top sides advancing into the knockout rounds. The bigger format means more nations, more matchups and a longer road to the final.
The official draw set the stage for major storylines, including how the three host nations handle pressure, which European powers avoid early trouble and which underdog teams emerge as surprise knockout contenders.
Full 2026 World Cup Schedule: What Fans Should Know
The full 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule includes group-stage matches across all three host countries before the tournament moves into the knockout rounds. With games played in multiple time zones, fans should expect a mix of afternoon and evening kickoffs in the U.S., with UK and European viewers likely seeing late-night fixtures for some North American games.
Exact broadcast assignments for every match will be finalized closer to the tournament, so fans should keep an eye on Fox Sports, Telemundo, BBC, ITV and local EU broadcasters for updated listings.
Where Can the 2026 FIFA World Cup Be Watched?
In the U.S., the 2026 FIFA World Cup can be watched on Fox, FS1, Telemundo and Universo, with streaming through the Fox Sports app, FOXSports.com and Spanish-language streaming coverage expected via Peacock. In the UK, matches will be available on BBC, ITV, BBC iPlayer and ITVX. In the EU, availability depends on local broadcast rights by country.
Tags: #WorldCup2026 #FIFAWorldCup #USMNT #HowToWatchWorldCup #WorldCupStreaming
About the Author
