With 48 nations competing on North American soil, the 2026 World Cup broadcast boasts a footprint that’s larger than ever. Two major networks are responsible for delivering U.S. TV coverage. FOX Sports is the exclusive English-language home, while NBCUniversal’s Telemundo Deportes handles the Spanish-language side.
This marks the third consecutive men’s FIFA World Cup where FOX and Telemundo have shared the U.S. broadcasting duties. But with both of their media deals expiring after this event, the networks are pulling out all the stops for what could be their final go-around.
To handle the expanded format of 104 matches in just 39 days, FOX and Telemundo have recruited a deep bench of on-air talent. Here’s a look at the play-by-play announcers and desk anchors breaking down the beautiful game this summer.
Don't be caught offsides with the wrong streamer this World Cup
DIRECTV is the streaming service hooligans choose for football. According to CableTV.com's 2026 customer satisfaction survey, more fans (49%) watch soccer on DIRECTV than any other streaming service. That's more than rivals Fubo and YouTube TV. What's more, a staggering 97% of DIRECTV streaming subscribers reported satisfaction with their live sports experience. So, what are you waiting for? Hit the World Cup pitch this summer by streaming it on DIRECTV.
2026 World Cup on FOX Sports
Between June 11 and July 19, FOX and FS1 will broadcast every single match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Select matchups will also stream live on Tubi, a free ad-supported platform owned by the Fox Corporation.
FOX Sports is no stranger to the global stage, having previously aired the 2018 and 2022 men’s tournaments, as well as the 2015, 2019, and 2023 Women’s World Cups. With each passing tournament, the network continues to evolve its presentation.
This year, FOX is rolling out an unprecedented 340 hours of first-run programming with over 30 on-air personalities contributing.
Who’s announcing the World Cup on FOX?
To handle the logistical challenge of covering matches across 16 host cities, an expanded roster of FOX soccer commentators will be traveling the continent this summer. Nine separate broadcast booths will call games on location, headlined by the duo of John Strong and former USMNT midfielder Stu Holden.
FOX play-by-play and analyst pairings
- John Strong and Stu Holden
- Ian Darke and Landon Donovan
- Derek Rae and Rob Green
- Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton
- JP Dellacamera and Lori Lindsey
- Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves
- Ian Crocker and Danny Higginbotham
- Mark Scott and Cobi Jones
- Tyler Terens and Maurice Edu
Reporters and correspondents
- Jenny Taft
- Geoff Shreeves
- Alex Aljoe
- Katie Shanahan
- Natalie Gedra
- Tom Rinaldi
FOX studio hosts and daily coverage
FOX is rolling out an entirely new, star-studded studio desk for 2026. The network brought in revered presenter Rebecca Lowe (best known for her NBC Sports coverage) to host.
She’ll be joined by legendary players-turned-analysts like Thierry Henry and Peter Schmeichel, both recognizable from their time on the pitch and with CBS Sports’ popular UCL coverage. Rounding out the confirmed global icons in the studio are self-proclaimed god Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Netherlands great Clarence Seedorf, and Mexico’s all-time leading scorer Javier “Chicharito” Hernández. Even more names are expected to be announced as the tournament approaches.
A lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on FOX like no other 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/FL83BZjbzY
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 5, 2026
FOX will air “FIFA World Cup Live” daily to preview the action, alongside “FIFA World Cup Today,” which serves as a bridge show for match analysis. At midnight local time, fans can tune into “FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden.” The late-night recap show features TV host James Corden, former Three Lions center-back Rio Ferdinand, and comedian Ian Karmel.
Sunny days on the pitch: A new Sesame Street partnership will integrate characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch into FOX Sports’ coverage through various family-friendly segments.
2026 World Cup on Telemundo Deportes
As the exclusive Spanish-language home of the 2026 tournament, NBCUniversal is delivering the most expansive Spanish-language World Cup coverage in U.S. history. Telemundo and UNIVERSO will broadcast all 104 matches live, with 92 airing on Telemundo and 12 on UNIVERSO. Additionally, every single match will stream live on Peacock Premium and the Telemundo app.
Telemundo is dedicating more than 700 hours of programming to the event. To cover the continent-wide footprint, the network is deploying live crews to all 16 host cities and building out dedicated studio sets in Mexico City, Miami, and New York.
Who’s announcing the World Cup on Telemundo?
Telemundo’s match coverage will be spearheaded by two of the most recognizable voices in global soccer: Andrés Cantor and Luis Omar Tapia. With Cantor celebrating 26 years with the network this year, fans can expect to hear plenty of his iconic “¡Gooooooooooool!” calls throughout the summer.
To provide expert in-match analysis and deep cultural context, Telemundo has assembled a globally representative roster of former players and coaches. This approach guarantees a diverse range of perspectives and authentic regional insights built to resonate with U.S. Hispanic audiences.
While specific commentary pairings and on-site reporters will be announced closer to kickoff, Telemundo has confirmed the following elite group of experts.
Telemundo soccer commentators and analysts
- Jozy Altidore (USA)
- Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina)
- Alejandro Bedoya (USA)
- Iván Ramiro Córdoba (Colombia)
- Julio César Dely Valdés (Panama)
- Nuno Gomes (Portugal)
- Andrés Guardado (Mexico)
- Guti (Spain)
- Diego Lugano (Uruguay)
- Carlos Pavón (Honduras)
- José Pékerman (Argentina)
- Maxi Rodríguez (Argentina)
- Carlos Salcido (Mexico)
- Jorge Valdano (Argentina)
- Antonio Valencia (Ecuador)
- Iván Zamorano (Chile)
Telemundo’s studio and streaming coverage
Anchoring the daily coverage across Telemundo’s three host-city studios are seasoned presenters Carlota Vizmanos and Miguel Gurwitz. They’ll lead the network’s pregame, halftime, and postgame shows, joined by the rotating cast of international analysts listed above.
Beyond the traditional linear broadcasts, Telemundo is also leaning heavily into its digital platforms to provide fans with wall-to-wall soccer.
- Peacock’s Interactive Hub: Peacock will serve as the ultimate streaming destination, offering an interactive viewing experience that includes multiview capabilities, live key-play catch-ups, and alternative tactical camera angles.
- Telemundo Deportes Ahora: To keep the conversation going between matchdays, this dedicated FAST channel will deliver over 50 hours of original, around-the-clock content each week.
FIFA World Cup broadcast FAQ
Who will perform in the World Cup opening ceremonies?
With three host nations, the 2026 tournament features a trio of star-studded kickoff events. Here are the musical lineups for each ceremony.
- Mexico (June 11): Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.
- United States (June 12): Anitta, Future, Katy Perry, LISA, Rema, and Tyla.
- Canada (June 12): Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, and William Prince.
Is there a World Cup halftime show?
Yes, the World Cup Final on July 19 will feature a halftime show headlined by BTS, Madonna, and Shakira. Coldplay's Chris Martin is curating the performance for producer Global Citizen, an international education and advocacy organization.
How many cameras are used for a World Cup broadcast?
Every 2026 World Cup match will feature a baseline production unit of 45 cameras, ranging from standard broadcast angles to cable-suspended systems and other aerial units. Once the knockout stage is underway, additional camera systems will be introduced, as reported by SVG Europe.
Is the World Cup broadcast on the radio?
Yes, FOX Sports' English-language World Cup coverage will air on iHeartRadio. You can stream the live commentary for all 104 matches for free via the iHeartRadio app and website, while select fixtures will also be broadcast on local iHeartRadio stations nationwide.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com Sports Editor, Taylor Kujawa, created this guide by analyzing the U.S. media rights for the 2026 World Cup. He cross-referenced these details with FIFA schedules and network press releases to pinpoint this year’s English- and Spanish-language World Cup broadcast coverage. Taylor also layered in additional TV details regarding on-site camera logistics, streaming availability, and pop-culture crossovers.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
