FIFA’s expanded 2026 World Cup has sparked plenty of debate, but for Fox and Telemundo, the math is simple: more teams, more matches, and a much larger runway to capture U.S. soccer fans.
After the 2022 tournament in Qatar featured 32 nations and 64 matches, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will grow to 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For the U.S. media rights holders, that is not just a programming boost. It is a rare chance to turn a month-long global event into an even bigger summer sports spectacle.
2026 World Cup TV coverage gives Fox and Telemundo a bigger stage
Fox holds the English-language U.S. rights to the men’s World Cup, while Telemundo owns the Spanish-language rights. Both networks already know the tournament can deliver major audiences, but 2026 comes with a unique advantage: much of the action will be played in North American time zones.
That matters. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar forced many American viewers into early morning kickoffs. In 2026, more matches should land in friendlier viewing windows for U.S. audiences, giving Fox, FS1, Telemundo, Universo, and their connected digital platforms a far stronger daily schedule.
The expanded format also means more inventory for advertisers and more opportunities for shoulder programming, pregame coverage, studio analysis, highlight shows, social clips, and streaming-first content. In short, Fox and Telemundo are not just airing more soccer. They are building a larger media event around it.
U.S. soccer fans are no longer casual World Cup viewers
The biggest challenge for both broadcasters may also be the best news: American viewers are more soccer-literate than ever. The audience is not simply tuning in every four years to see the U.S. men’s national team and a handful of superstars. Fans now follow European clubs, MLS, Liga MX, the Champions League, women’s soccer, transfer news, tactics, and international qualifying with far more regularity.
That raises the bar for World Cup coverage in the U.S. Fox and Telemundo will need to serve different types of viewers at once: newcomers, bilingual households, die-hard club fans, fantasy players, sports bettors, and supporters tracking specific national teams.
Expect both networks to lean heavily into deeper analysis, sharper commentary, recognizable on-air talent, and digital extras that explain formations, rivalries, breakout players, and tournament stakes without slowing down the broadcast.
Why the expanded FIFA World Cup format helps broadcasters
Critics of the 48-team format argue that expansion could water down the competition. From a media perspective, though, the upside is obvious. More participating countries means more national fan bases with a reason to watch, especially in a diverse U.S. media market.
For Telemundo, that could be especially powerful. Spanish-language World Cup coverage is often fueled by passionate support for Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, and other major soccer nations. A larger tournament increases the chances of more teams with strong U.S.-based communities making the field.
Fox, meanwhile, gets a broader sports calendar to promote across NFL, college football, MLB, and other properties. The network can cross-market the World Cup for months before kickoff, especially with the tournament taking place on home soil.
Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., UK, and EU
In the United States, viewers will be able to watch 2026 World Cup matches in English on Fox and FS1, with streaming expected through Fox’s authenticated digital platforms. Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, with streaming availability expected through Peacock and Telemundo’s digital options.
Fox and Telemundo are U.S. broadcasters, so they are not the primary rights holders for viewers in the UK or across the EU. UK audiences should look to the official UK World Cup broadcasters, while EU availability will vary by country depending on local FIFA rights agreements.
With more matches, better time slots, and a fan base that understands the game at a higher level, Fox and Telemundo have every reason to treat the 2026 World Cup as more than another tournament. It is their biggest chance yet to show how far soccer broadcasting in America has come.
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