How To Watch the World Cup 2022
Soccer returns to the world’s stage as Qatar hosts the 2022 FIFA World Cup. All matches will air live on FOX and FS1, and we’ve researched and tested the best services for tuning in.
Hulu + Live TV
Price: $76.99–$89.99/mo.
World Cup channels: FOX, FS1, Telemundo, and Universo
DVR storage: Unlimited (for 9 mos.)
Free trial: N/A
Hulu + Live TV
Price: $76.99–$89.99/mo.
World Cup channels: FOX, FS1, Telemundo, and Universo
DVR storage: Unlimited (for 9 mos.)
Free trial: N/A
Peacock
Price: $5.99–$11.99/mo. or $59.99–$119.99/yr.
World Cup content: Every live game with Spanish-language commentary
Free trial: N/A
Peacock
Price: $5.99–$11.99/mo. or $59.99–$119.99/yr.
World Cup content: Every live game with Spanish-language commentary
Free trial: N/A
Tubi
Price: Free
World Cup content: Every game on demand after it airs
Free trial: N/A
Tubi
Price: Free
World Cup content: Every game on demand after it airs
Free trial: N/A
FIFA+
Price: Free
World Cup content: Full match replays of past World Cup tournaments
Free trial: N/A
FIFA+
Price: Free
World Cup content: Full match replays of past World Cup tournaments
Free trial: N/A
When it comes to soccer, there’s nothing more important than the FIFA World Cup. The 2022 edition will see 32 national teams face off for a chance to become world champions. It all began on November 20 in Qatar, and you can watch every game live across FOX and FOX Sports 1 (FS1).
France is the defending champion, having gone all the way in 2018. But the 2022 tournament is noteworthy to stateside fans for the return of Canada and the US.
No matter who you’re cheering for, the World Cup is bound to contain surprises and heartbreak. To experience all the emotions, we outlined the best viewing options—including a couple of free services.
What channels are World Cup games on?
All 64 FIFA World Cup matches will air on FOX and FS1 for English-language coverage. Telemundo and Universo will also broadcast every game with Spanish-language commentary.
Most of the tournament’s marquee matchups will air on FOX and Telemundo, including the World Cup Final on December 18, 2022. But we outlined each channel’s game count in the table below for a better look at the coverage you’ll score.
| English-language channels | Spanish-language channels |
|---|---|
|
|
Anyone with an existing TV plan that includes FOX and FS1 can stream games live through the FOX Sports app. You can also catch full match replays on Tubi, plus exclusive pre- and post-match coverage on Twitter.
If you want Spanish-language coverage on the go, you can stream Telemundo and Universo live through the Telemundo Deportes app. Peacock will also host live and on-demand coverage en Español—offering the cheapest way to watch all 64 games.
World Cup schedule: key dates and channels
The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicked off on November 20, with host nation Qatar facing Ecuador. Following the group stage, the top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout stage with hopes of reaching the final on December 18.
Data effective as of post date.
Best TV providers for World Cup games
- Editor’s choice: Hulu + Live TV ($76.99–$89.99/mo.)
- Cheapest en Español: Peacock ($5.99–$11.99/mo. or $59.99–$119.99/yr.)
- Best for full game replays: Tubi (Free)
- Best for World Cup archive: FIFA+ (Free)
Editor’s choice: Hulu + Live TV
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Pros
- Every 2022 World Cup game
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- ESPN+ and Disney+ bundle included
Cons
- Small sports channel lineup
- Only 2 simultaneous streams allowed
Hulu + Live TV is our favorite service for watching the World Cup. Its plans start at $76.99 a month and include FOX, FS1, and Telemundo. If you prefer complete Spanish-language coverage, you can get Universo in the Español Add-on for an additional $4.99 a month.
The great thing about the World Cup is that it’s just under a month long. That means you can sign up for Hulu + Live TV on the tournament’s first game day and cancel after the final without paying for another month of service.
While Fubo and YouTube TV offer similar coverage, we gravitate toward Hulu + Live TV because it includes ESPN+ at no extra cost. ESPN+ is one of our favorite streaming services for sports because it carries many soccer leagues like the German Bundesliga and La Liga. It also broadcasts ESPN FC, a daily studio show dedicated to the beautiful game.
Overall, Hulu + Live TV is home to a lot of sports coverage—especially when you add ESPN+ into the mix. This holiday season will have a lot of major sports in action, so Hulu + Live TV is a great way to watch not only the World Cup but also NBA, NFL, and NHL matchups.
Cheapest en Español: Peacock
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Due to streaming rights, a small amount of programming will still contain ads (Peacock channels, events, and a few shows and movies).
Pros
- Inexpensive pricing
- Exclusive NBCUniversal content
- Large on-demand library of shows and movies
Cons
- Only Spanish-language World Cup broadcasts
- Limited original content
Peacock is the Spanish-language streaming destination for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. During the tournament, all 64 matchups that air across Telemundo and Universo will simulstream live on Peacock. You can also access highlights and analysis through the service’s World Cup Hub and Copa Mundial live channel.
If you’re like us, you might already have one of Peacock’s premium plans for watching the Premier League. That makes Peacock a convenient service for soccer fans looking to watch the World Cup.
Even if you’re not an existing subscriber, Peacock Premium Monthly ($5.99 a month) is the most inexpensive way to watch the entire World Cup. Sure, it might not be the best option if you haven’t brushed up on your Spanish-listening skills lately. But you can always mute Peacock and stream a separate commentary track on another device. talkSPORT is an excellent source for alternate live English-language commentary.
Pro tip: If you want to test Peacock before paying, you can watch the World Cup’s first 12 matches for free. All you need to do is tap the View Peacock Plans button above, click Pick a Plan, and select Sign Up For Free. There’s no credit card required.
Best for full game replays: Tubi
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Pros
- Every 2022 World Cup game on demand
- Free access w/ no sign up required
- Large on-demand library of shows and movies
Cons
- No live World Cup games
- Max resolution of 720p
- Lackluster interface
Like many other free streaming services, Tubi has an immense library of ad-supported content that mixes popular titles with low-budget fare. Tubi is especially advantageous because it also offers on-demand viewing of select FOX Sports programming.
As with the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Tubi will host every match of the 2022 World Cup in its on-demand library. It’s a great way to access every FOX and FS1 game after the final whistle without signing up for a TV service.
Because of the Qatar time difference, every World Cup match this year airs during the day in the US. If you have work, school, or other daytime commitments, Tubi is a great way to catch up with your favorite teams later in the day. And you don’t have to pay a single cent.
Of course, free access does come with a couple of limitations. For starters, Tubi’s content is ad-supported. But the service at least positions its ad breaks before kickoff and at halftime—giving you complete, uninterrupted 45-minute halves of soccer.
The other—and more annoying—limitation is that Tubi only streams in a maximum resolution of 720p. That’s fine for phones and tablets, but watching soccer at 720p on a big-screen TV is hard on the eyes.
Best for World Cup archive: FIFA Plus
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Pros
- Extensive World Cup archive
- Free access w/ no sign up required
- Many language options
Cons
- No live World Cup matches
- Poor device availability
- Some regionally restricted content
FIFA+ is a new streaming service that FIFA launched in early 2022 to bring free soccer content to the world. It has original docuseries, live matches, and the most extensive World Cup archive available to the public.
You won’t be able to watch the Qatar World Cup live. But having access to an on-demand library of past tournaments is pretty sweet. When we first downloaded FIFA+, we immediately started binge-watching clips and highlights of games featuring soccer legends like Pelé, Diego Maradona, Mia Hamm, and Marta.
FIFA+ is the perfect way to prep yourself for the next chapter in World Cup history. It’s also a great companion for soccer fans, offering daily news and match data from over 400 competitions worldwide. You can even play the official FIFA World Cup fantasy game within the FIFA+ app.
Because of how new it is, FIFA+ is not available across a wide range of devices. But you can download the app for your phone or tablet from the Google Play and iOS storefronts.
How to watch the World Cup for free
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As we outlined above, Tubi and FIFA+ offer free World Cup coverage. But the two streaming services won’t get you live matchups from the 2022 tournament. Still, it’s possible to watch live games for free. All you require is an over-the-air (OTA) antenna.
With FOX broadcasting the World Cup, you can watch 35 matches live on TV with an antenna. You just need to reside within the range of a FOX network affiliate.
Telemundo is also accessible via antenna—giving you 56 live World Cup matches with Spanish-language commentary. But there aren’t as many Telemundo stations scattered across the US as with FOX.
If you don’t already have an antenna, we recommend checking out the Mohu Leaf 50. The one-time purchase has a 60-mile range and an attached amplifier for better reception. But you can always scope out more antenna options on our Best Antennas for Cord-Cutters page.
While most quality antennas cost between $20 and $60, we first recommend punching your zip code on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Reception Map Tool to see which channels are available in your area. This information will help you determine what range you’ll need from an antenna.
How to watch the World Cup FAQ
Can I watch the World Cup on YouTube TV?
Yes, you can watch every match of the 2022 World Cup on YouTube TV. The live TV streaming service carries FOX, FS1, and Telemundo in its base plan ($64.99/mo.). Plus, you can get Universo with the Spanish Plus add-on ($14.99/mo.)
Can I watch the World Cup online?
Yes, you can watch World Cup matches online with any live TV streaming service that carries FOX and FS1. If you have an existing cable or satellite TV plan with those channels, you can also stream games online by signing into the FOX Sports app. The streaming service Peacock also has every World Cup game with Spanish-language commentary.
Does ESPN show the World Cup?
No, ESPN doesn’t show World Cup matches. The World Cup broadcasting rights in the US will remain with FOX Sports and Telemundo through at least the 2026 tournament.
Where can I watch the FIFA Club World Cup?
Unlike the FIFA World Cup, you can watch the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup live on FIFA+. It’ll be the last seven-team Club World Cup, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino plans to expand the tournament to 32 teams in 2025.
Why is the FIFA World Cup played every four years?
The four-year gap between FIFA World Cup tournaments ensures ample qualification time across FIFA’s six confederations. Similar global competitions like the Summer Olympics, Winter Olympics, and World Baseball Classic also occur every four years.
Methodology
Our soccer experts spent over 12 hours of hands-on testing and research to determine the best ways to watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup. We first examined which services carry World Cup channels and content before deciding on our viewing recommendations. Ultimately, we chose our favorite services based on game counts, pricing, and additional sports coverage.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
Disclaimer
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Amazon.com price as of 11/14/22 11:15 a.m. CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
