The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup schedule and how to watch
The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup: A Global Spectacle with Diverse Viewing Options
The 2026 FIFA Men s World - The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, set to be the first jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, promises an unprecedented five-week celebration of football. While the availability of physical tickets may be limited and prices steep, fans have multiple avenues to experience the action, from traditional television broadcasts to digital streaming platforms. The tournament will feature 104 matches, with each nation hosting a significant portion of the games, creating a unique blend of international and local excitement.
Who Will Be Broadcasting the Matches?
The broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup have been secured by FOX and NBCUniversal, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the three host countries. In the U.S., these networks will air 78 games, while Canada and Mexico will each host 13 matches. This partnership has also set the stage for an historic broadcasting milestone: a record 40 of the tournament’s matches will be televised during primetime on FOX, offering fans a prime opportunity to catch the most anticipated fixtures. For Spanish-speaking audiences, every game will be available on Telemundo and Universo, both under the NBCUniversal umbrella, ensuring the event reaches a global audience.
"This World Cup will feel like a Super Bowl every day for five weeks," said Tim Ream, U.S. men's national team captain, reflecting on the scale of the event. "It’s not an accident that 5 billion people will be tuning in—this is a moment that unites the world through the beautiful game."
Telemundo, in particular, will play a pivotal role in making the World Cup accessible to Spanish-speaking fans. The network will broadcast all matches, with the U.S. team’s group stage games airing on both Telemundo and Universo. For cord-cutters and on-demand viewers, the event will also be available across several streaming platforms, providing flexibility for those who prefer digital viewing over traditional TV.
Free and Paid Viewing Options
Accessibility is a key focus for the 2026 World Cup. Over 70 matches in the U.S. will be available for free to viewers with a standard TV antenna or those using a smart TV to access the FOX network. This means fans without a cable subscription can still enjoy the majority of the action, provided they have a compatible device. However, the remaining 34 games will require a subscription or access to Fox Sports 1, which is available through cable providers.
For those who prefer Spanish-language commentary, the situation is even more favorable. A staggering 92 of the 104 matches will be broadcast for free on Telemundo, with the remaining 12 airing on Universo. This arrangement ensures that Spanish-speaking fans can follow every game without additional cost. Meanwhile, free streaming options are also expanding. The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa, as well as the U.S.’s debut against Paraguay on June 12, will be available on Tubi, an ad-supported streaming service owned by Fox. These free streams are a strategic move to maximize reach, especially for fans in regions with limited access to traditional TV.
Other platforms, such as FOX One, the FOX Sports app, and Peacock, will offer live streaming of all matches for a subscription fee. Peacock, in particular, has exclusive rights to Spanish-language streaming, making it a go-to choice for fans who want to watch in their preferred language. For those who want flexibility, YouTube TV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV also provide access to the tournament, though these services charge monthly fees. This multi-platform approach ensures that fans can choose their preferred viewing method, whether through free ad-supported services or paid subscriptions for uninterrupted access.
Breaking Down the Tournament Schedule
The World Cup kicks off on June 11, with the co-host nation Mexico taking center stage in the capital city. The first match of the tournament will see Mexico face South Africa, marking the beginning of a five-week event packed with drama and competition. The U.S. and Canada will follow suit the next day, with the U.S. team playing their opening game in Los Angeles and Canada hosting their debut in Toronto. This staggered start allows for regional fan engagement while setting the stage for a globally synchronized spectacle.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the tournament’s schedule, highlighting key matches and their broadcast details:
June 11
3 p.m. ET — Mexico vs. South Africa (Group A) — Mexico City [FOX, Telemundo]
10 p.m. ET — South Korea vs. Czechia (Group A) — Guadalajara [FS1, Telemundo]
June 12
3 p.m. ET — Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B) — Toronto [FOX, Telemundo]
9 p.m. ET — USA vs. Paraguay (Group D) — Inglewood [FOX, Telemundo]
June 13
3 p.m. ET — Qatar vs. Switzerland (Group B) — San Francisco Bay Area [FOX, Telemundo]
6 p.m. ET — Brazil vs. Morocco (Group C) — New York/New Jersey [FS1, Telemundo]
9 p.m. ET — Haiti vs. Scotland (Group C) — Boston [FS1, Telemundo]
June 14
12 a.m. ET — Australia vs. Turkey (Group D) — Vancouver [FS1, Telemundo]
1 p.m. ET — Germany vs. Curaçao (Group E) — Houston [FOX, Telemundo]
4 p.m. ET — Netherlands vs. Japan (Group F) — Dallas [FOX, Telemundo]
7 p.m. ET — Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador (Group E) — Philadelphia [FS1, Telemundo]
10 p.m. ET — Sweden vs. Tunisia (Group F) — Monterrey [FS1, Telemundo]
June 15
12 p.m. ET — Spain vs. Cape Verde (Group H) — Atlanta [FOX, Telemundo]
3 p.m. ET — Belgium vs. Egypt (Group G) — Seattle [FOX, Telemundo]
6 p.m. ET — Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay (Group H) — Miami [FS1, Telemundo]
9 p.m. ET — Iran vs. New Zealand (Group G) — Inglewood [FS1, Telemundo]
June 16
3 p.m. ET — France vs. Senegal (Group I) — New York/New Jersey [FOX, Telemundo]
6 p.m. ET — Iraq vs. Norway (Group I) — Boston [FOX, Telemundo]
9 p.m. ET — Argentina vs. Algeria (Group J) — Kansas City [FOX, Telemundo]
June 17
12 a.m. ET — Austria vs. Jordan (Group J) — San Francisco Bay Area [FS1, Telemundo]
1 p.m. ET — Portugal vs. DR Congo (Group K) — Houston or Mexico City [FOX, Telemundo]
4 p.m. ET — England vs. Croatia (Group L) — Toronto or Dallas [FOX, Telemundo]
7 p.m. ET — Ghana vs. Panama (Group L) — Toronto or Dallas [FS1, Telemundo]
10 p.m. ET — Uzbekistan vs. Colombia (Group K) — Houston or Mexico City [FS1, Telemundo]