Keep in mind that if you are reading this article from outside the US, the World Cup streaming options will be different in your location. I’ll cover those details later in this article.
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With a record number of teams set to compete, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is gearing up to be among the largest sporting spectacles in history. The tournament begins this Thursday, June 11, and continues through July 19, hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Every match will be broadcast live, giving fans plenty of viewing choices. But what if you’re looking to avoid a costly cable subscription?
Also: Top live TV streaming services for 2026: Expert-reviewed picks
Fortunately, you have multiple avenues to catch the World Cup on a budget—at no charge, through free trials, or via affordable plans that cost far less than traditional cable. Below, we break down the most practical ways to stream the tournament without straining your wallet.
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How to stream the 2026 World Cup
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ExpressVPN/ZDNET
If you run into geographic streaming restrictions while abroad, or if you’d like to access another country’s free broadcast feed, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a handy solution. A VPN also adds a layer of defense against cyber threats when you’re tuning in over public Wi-Fi. ExpressVPN holds the title of official FIFA partner and ranks as our top pick for the fastest streaming VPN available.
Also: ExpressVPN review: Among the quickest VPNs we evaluated
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You might not realize it, but traditional over-the-air (OTA) television still exists—and with a simple antenna, you can likely receive all your local networks and then some. Pop in your address here to find out which channels are available in your area.
These budget-friendly antennas (our recommendation for the best affordable option is this Best Buy model at $20) hook up to the coaxial input on the back of your TV. You forgo extras like pausing or recording live broadcasts, but you still get free viewing. Since Fox owns the World Cup broadcast rights, most of the games (70 out of 104) will be accessible this way. Many local Telemundo affiliates may also air select matches in Spanish. Check your local listings for scheduling details.
Also: Best TV antennas available in 2026
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Also: I spotted 15 Amazon deals on editor-approved tech already running ahead of Prime Day
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Fox/ZDNET
Fox has the exclusive English-language rights for this year’s World Cup, and streaming directly from the network is straightforward. Fox One offers a three-day free trial before the service transitions to $20 per month. If the World Cup is all you care about and you don’t need a bundle of additional channels, this is one of the more wallet-friendly options out there.
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Peacock/ZDNET
Peacock might be the lowest-cost option to catch every match, but there’s a trade-off. Through Telemundo’s coverage on Peacock, all 104 games are available to stream—though the commentary will be entirely in Spanish. A subscription comes in at roughly $10 per month.
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Tubi
If you’re mostly interested in occasional highlights, the free streaming platform Tubi will stream the opening ceremony and two live matches: Mexico vs. South Africa on Thursday, June 11, and the U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Paraguay on Friday, June 12. In addition, you’ll find replays, condensed game recaps, highlight reels, and daily summaries of goals and top plays.
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iheartradio
Audio coverage alone works for you, Fox and iHeartRadio have teamed up to stream every one of the tournament’s 104 matches live in English. Simply download the iHeartRadio app onto your Android or iOS device, Roku TV, Google TV, or a wide range of other smart devices.
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YouTube/ZDNET
YouTube TV is one of the most popular live TV streaming services available—and our top pick overall for live TV streaming—and it gives you access to your local Fox station along with every World Cup game. New users can try it free for 10 days. The regular price is $83 per month, but new subscribers can get it for just $68 per month for the first three months.
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Fubo/ZDNET
Fubo TV offers a range of smaller channel packages to pick from, and its sports-focused bundle—which includes all the channels you’ll need for the World Cup—starts at $56. A 5-day free trial is available if you’d like to give it a test run.
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Hulu/ZDNET
Hulu + Live TV provides access to over 100 channels, including the Fox network needed for World Cup coverage. At $90 per month, it also includes Disney+ and ESPN Select in the subscription. New users can take advantage of a complimentary 3-day trial.
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DirecTV/ZDNET
Just like other providers, DirecTV has bundle deals that help you cut costs compared to a regular subscription. Alongside a 5-day free trial, you can grab the entertainment package and catch the World Cup for $60 during your first month.
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When does the 2026 World Cup take place?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from Thursday, June 11, to Sunday, July 19. The tournament will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 national teams competing in 104 matches.
Which channel will broadcast the World Cup?
Fox holds the broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup, meaning matches will air live on the Fox network or its Fox One streaming platform. You can also watch through live TV services that carry Fox, such as YouTube TV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV.
