See Unsee summary
Fans of the beautiful game can expect nothing short of a broadcasting spectacle in 2026. FOX will air 69 matches from the next FIFA World Cup on its main network—more than twice as many as in 2022. With matches also on FS1 and streaming via Fox One, this tournament promises an unprecedented viewing experience across North America.
A World Cup like no other
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a turning point, not just for football but for how we watch it. Split across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the tournament benefits from favorable time zones that make live viewing especially accessible for American fans. FOX is taking advantage of this by going all-in, ensuring fans won’t miss a beat.
Here’s how the coverage stacks up:
- 69 matches broadcast live on the main FOX network (compared to 34 in 2022)
- 35 additional matches on FS1
- All matches available via the Fox One streaming platform
That’s 104 matches in all, every single one with an English-language coverage option. In 2022, you sometimes had to juggle channels or depend on replays. In 2026, Fox’s strategy is clear: you’ll be able to watch what you want, when you want, and on the platform you prefer. To read Gwen Stefani headlines magical 2025 Disney Christmas Parade
More than just games
The network isn’t stopping at match coverage. FOX Sports will produce over 340 hours of total content around the tournament. This includes pre-game excitement, halftime discussions, and post-game analysis. For a fan like me, who loves to linger in the atmosphere before and after the final whistle, this is the kind of immersive experience that makes a World Cup unforgettable.
And it’s not just about quantity. Over the years, FOX has improved its production quality during international tournaments. Whether it’s the camera work that brings out the raw energy of the crowd or graphics that clearly convey team stats, their matches are easy and enjoyable to follow—even for casual viewers.
One moment I’ll personally be watching closely: the World Cup Final Draw, airing live on December 5. Hosted from the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., that evening will officially set the stage for the tournament. Just thinking about national team managers nervously waiting to discover their group gives me chills.
Bigger stars, bigger pressure
Eric Shanks, the CEO and executive producer of Fox Sports, isn’t holding back. According to him, the 2026 tournament will be “the biggest production in our company’s 32-year history.” That’s a powerful statement, especially from a team that’s covered Super Bowls and World Series.
And honestly, he might be right. With the World Cup expanding to 48 nations, we can expect more underdog stories, more global talent, and more unforgettable moments. From Mbappé’s theatrics to rising stars we haven’t met yet, there’s a chance for fans everywhere to discover new heroes. To read Toho expands into Europe with bold anime distribution moves
I’m already imagining the storylines: Will the U.S. finally reach a breakthrough on home soil? Will Canada’s golden generation deliver? And what kind of welcome will cities like Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City offer to the world?
What’s still to come
Many details haven’t been revealed yet, including the broadcaster line-up. In past years, personalities like Alexi Lalas and Stu Holden have sparked debate—and emotion—with their commentary. We don’t yet know who will carry the mic in 2026, but the stakes will be higher than ever.
Fox will release the full match schedule only after the World Cup Draw in December. Until then, production teams are working in high gear behind the scenes. The next few months are likely to bring a slow drip of announcements—teams, analysts, technical crews, theme music—all pieces of the puzzle that build anticipation.
As a lifelong football fan, there’s something magical about knowing a World Cup is coming to your time zone. For once, staying up until 3 a.m. won’t be necessary. The matches will be in prime time, just as they should be.
