If you want to know about how to watch world cup, this guide covers everything you need. This guide is maintained by a Kansas City local. Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend things we’d tell a friend about.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Whether you are watching from Kansas City, streaming on your phone at work, or recording matches to watch later, here is every way to watch the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
English TV: Fox and Fox Sports: How To Watch World Cup
Fox and Fox Sports 1 (FS1) hold exclusive English-language broadcast rights for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Fox has held World Cup rights since 2015. Major matches (opening, USA games, semifinals, final) air on the main Fox broadcast network. Group stage and early knockout matches air on FS1.
Fox is available over-the-air with a digital antenna in most markets, meaning you can watch the biggest matches for free. FS1 requires a cable or streaming TV subscription.
Spanish TV: Telemundo and Universo
NBCUniversal holds Spanish-language rights through Telemundo and Universo. Telemundo is available over-the-air in most US markets with a digital antenna. Universo requires a cable subscription. Spanish-language radio coverage comes from Futbol de Primera. Mastering how to watch world cup takes practice but delivers great results.
For the Kansas City market, check your local channel listings: Fox (WDAF-TV Channel 4) and Telemundo (available via antenna or cable).
Streaming Options
Every World Cup match will be available to stream in the United States. Here are the confirmed and expected streaming platforms:
| Platform | Language | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Sports App / Tubi | English | Free with cable login / Free | Fox-owned; expected to carry all matches |
| Peacock | Spanish | $7.99/mo | NBCUniversal streaming platform |
| Telemundo Deportes App | Spanish | Free with cable login | Telemundo’s streaming arm |
| FuboTV | English + Spanish | $79.99/mo | Sports-focused live TV streaming |
| YouTube TV | English + Spanish | $72.99/mo | Includes Fox and FS1 |
| Hulu + Live TV | English + Spanish | $76.99/mo | Includes Fox and FS1 |
| Sling TV (Blue) | English | $40/mo | Budget option, includes Fox and FS1 |
Budget tip: The cheapest legal way to watch every English-language match is a digital antenna (for Fox broadcast matches, free) combined with Sling TV Blue ($40/mo for FS1). For Spanish, a digital antenna gets you Telemundo for free.
Cord-Cutting Guide: No Cable Required
You do not need cable to watch the World Cup. Here is a complete cord-cutter setup:
- Digital antenna: Gets you Fox and Telemundo over-the-air for free. A $20-30 indoor antenna from Amazon works for most Kansas City metro homes.
- Sling TV Blue: $40/mo, includes FS1 for English group stage matches. No contract, cancel anytime.
- Tubi: Free Fox-owned streaming service. Expected to carry Fox matches.
- Peacock: $7.99/mo for Spanish-language streaming of all matches.
Total cost for the tournament: about $40-50/month for one month of streaming, plus a one-time antenna purchase. Compare that to the $80+/month for YouTube TV or Hulu Live. Understanding how to watch world cup is key to a great World Cup experience.
Canadian Viewers
In Canada, Bell Media holds broadcast rights through TSN and CTV. TSN is available through most Canadian cable and streaming packages. CTV is free over-the-air.
International Streaming and VPNs
If you are traveling during the tournament, your US streaming subscriptions may be geo-blocked outside the country. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to connect to a US server and access your normal streaming apps. Popular VPN options include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. Make sure to set up and test your VPN before you travel.
Watching in Kansas City: Bars, Restaurants & Watch Parties
If you are in Kansas City during the tournament, you do not have to watch alone. The city will host official FIFA Fan Fest events and dozens of bars and restaurants will show every match on big screens. See our complete KC Watch Parties guide for the best venues, from Power & Light District downtown to neighborhood bars across the metro.
Key watch party venues in KC include No Other Pub at Children’s Mercy Park, the Power & Light District, Chicken N Pickle, and numerous sports bars along the I-70 corridor near Arrowhead Stadium.
Match Schedule: When to Watch
Most World Cup matches air between noon and 9 PM Central Time, since all venues are in North American time zones. This is a major advantage over recent World Cups in Russia (2018, early morning starts) and Qatar (2022, morning starts). When it comes to how to watch world cup, preparation matters most.
| Round | Typical CT Kickoff Times | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage MD1 | 11 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM, 8 PM | June 11-17 |
| Group Stage MD2 | 11 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM, 8 PM | June 18-23 |
| Group Stage MD3 | 11 AM, 3 PM, 6 PM, 9 PM | June 24-27 |
| Round of 32 | 11 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM, 8:30 PM | June 28 – July 3 |
| Round of 16 | 11 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM, 8 PM | July 4-7 |
| Quarterfinals | 2 PM, 8 PM | July 9-11 |
| Semifinals | 7 PM | July 14-15 |
| Final | 2 PM CT (3 PM ET) | July 19 |
Kansas City matches are all evening kickoffs: 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM, 8:30 PM, or 9 PM CT. Perfect timing for after-work viewing.
DVR and On-Demand Tips
If you cannot watch live, most streaming services offer DVR recording. YouTube TV includes unlimited DVR. Hulu + Live TV offers 50 hours of DVR (unlimited with Enhanced DVR add-on). Sling TV offers 50 hours. Record your matches and avoid social media until you have watched.
Fox Sports and Tubi typically make full match replays available within a few hours of the final whistle. FIFA+ (the free FIFA streaming platform) also offers highlights and extended recaps.
Radio Coverage
For English radio, check local Fox Sports Radio affiliates. For Spanish radio, Futbol de Primera holds exclusive rights across the US and Puerto Rico. SiriusXM is expected to carry select matches on its FC channel.
Quick Setup Checklist
- Get a digital antenna for free Fox and Telemundo access
- Subscribe to Sling TV Blue ($40/mo) or another live TV service for FS1
- Download the Fox Sports app and sign in with your cable/streaming credentials
- Download Peacock if you want Spanish-language streaming
- Set up DVR recording for any matches during work hours
- Bookmark KC Watch Party venues for group viewing
- If traveling, set up and test a VPN before leaving the US
Further reading: For more information, see FIFA World Cup 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which TV channels will broadcast World Cup 2026 matches in Kansas City?
Fox (WDAF-TV Channel 4) and Fox Sports 1 (FS1) hold exclusive English-language broadcast rights in the United States. Major matches like the opening game, USA games, semifinals, and final air on the main Fox network, while group stage and early knockout matches air on FS1. In Kansas City, you can also watch Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo (available via antenna or cable).
Can you watch World Cup 2026 for free, and how?
Yes, you can watch major matches for free by using a digital antenna to access Fox and Telemundo, as both broadcast over-the-air in most US markets including Kansas City. However, FS1 requires a cable or streaming TV subscription to watch group stage and early knockout matches.
What are the best ways to stream every World Cup match in 2026?
Every World Cup match will be available to stream through multiple platforms including the Fox Sports App (free with cable login or free on Tubi), Peacock ($7.99/month for Spanish coverage), and the Telemundo Deportes App (free with cable login). These options give you flexibility to watch matches on your phone, tablet, or computer whether you’re at work or anywhere else.
When does the 2026 World Cup take place and how many matches will there be?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, featuring a total of 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This gives you a full month of World Cup action to watch live or recorded at your convenience.