Fox Sports has announced that it will broadcast a record-setting 69 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking its most extensive coverage ever for the tournament in the United States. This expanded portfolio reflects Fox’s growing investment in soccer and underscores the importance of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The 69-match commitment means Fox will cover most of the tournament’s 104 total games, offering a mix of group-stage matches, knockout rounds, and the final. This level of coverage is unprecedented for a U.S. broadcaster and is designed to reach soccer fans across the nation by leveraging both Fox’s traditional broadcast networks and its digital platforms.
Fox’s strategy for 2026 appears to include a blend of free-to-air television and streaming services, in order to maximize accessibility and engagement. By doing so, they hope to capture not just the core soccer audience but also more casual viewers who may tune in for marquee matchups. The broadcaster’s decision to air such a large portion of the World Cup reflects confidence in the event’s drawing power and commercial potential in the U.S. market.
For Fox, this commitment offers several advantages. First, it positions the network as a dominant player in soccer broadcasting in America. Second, it allows Fox to build stronger relationships with advertisers, who will value the extended exposure during one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. Finally, that coverage could help drive subscriptions or engagement on Fox’s digital platforms, attracting fans who may prefer streaming to traditional TV.
On the viewer side, fans will benefit from extensive coverage, with a variety of platforms to choose from and more live matches than ever before. For U.S. soccer supporters, the 2026 World Cup will provide a home-field advantage in visibility, as Fox brings the tournament’s excitement directly into living rooms across the country.
However, the scale of broadcasting also presents challenges. Fox will need to manage scheduling across its networks and digital channels to ensure that high-demand matches are accessible without overwhelming its infrastructure. Additionally, producing high-quality broadcasts for every match—many of which will feature smaller or less globally popular teams—requires a significant investment in commentary, analysis, and production resources.
Overall, Fox’s decision to televise 69 World Cup matches is a bold statement of intent. It signals that the network views the 2026 tournament not only as a major sporting spectacle but also as a strategic opportunity to deepen its footprint in American soccer broadcasting. Fans, advertisers, and stakeholders will all be watching closely as 2026 approaches and Fox rolls out its most ambitious World Cup coverage yet.
