The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, featuring 48 nations competing across 104 matches. This expanded tournament promises thrilling action, with defending champions Argentina aiming to retain their title amidst fierce competition from Brazil, Spain, France, and England.
For soccer fans eager to follow every moment, there are numerous ways to watch the matches for free. Whether you’re in the United States or abroad, this guide will help you stay connected to the action.
Streaming Options in the United States
In the United States, Fox and Fox Sports 1 (FS1) are the primary broadcasters for the World Cup. All 104 matches will be available on these channels, with 69 games on Fox and 35 on FS1. For Spanish-speaking viewers, Telemundo and Universe will provide coverage, with 92 matches on Telemundo and 12 on Universe.
To stream these matches for free, fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers. This service allows you to watch ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, and over 100 other channels without a cable subscription. Additionally, all matches can be streamed live on Fox ONE and the Fox Sports app.
International Streaming Options
If you’re outside the United States, there are still plenty of ways to watch the World Cup for free. In Australia all matches are available on SBS On Demand. In the United Kingdom coverage is split between BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Other regions offer select free matches, often focusing on their national team and major late-tournament games. In Spain select matches are available on RTVE Play. In ItalyRaiPlay offers free coverage of select matches. France has some free matches on M6 and Turkey provides free live streams in Arabic on Tabii.
Accessing Free Streams from Anywhere
For fans traveling abroad, a VPN can help access free streaming options from their home country. A VPN, or virtual private network allows you to temporarily change the virtual location of your electronic devices. This is particularly useful for accessing geo-restricted content.
NordVPN is a top recommendation for its speed, extensive selection of global servers, and a helpful 30-day money-back guarantee. By using a VPN, you can ensure you don’t miss any of the World Cup action, no matter where you are in the world.
