How to Watch the 2026 World Cup in the US (Free & Cheap)

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The World Cup kicks off June 11 - and you don't have to pay a single dollar to watch the USMNT's opening match. There are actually free ways to watch, a few very smart cheap options, and a trial-stacking calendar that can get you through most of the tournament at $0, as long as you know when to sign up and when to cancel.

Every Way to Watch the 2026 World Cup in the US - Free vs. Paid at a Glance

FOX and FS1 hold the English-language broadcast rights for all 104 matches. Telemundo and Universo cover all 104 in Spanish. The good news: there are truly free paths to both - you just need to know where to look.

The Completely Free Options - No Credit Card, No Catch

Tubi is the only option that requires no credit card, no subscription, and no trial period - just a free account. It's streaming Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11 and USA vs. Paraguay on June 12, including the USMNT opener.

FOX is broadcasting 70 of the 104 matches over the air. If you're within range of a local FOX affiliate, a basic indoor antenna gives you most of the Group Stage and a chunk of the knockout rounds for a one-time cost of $9-$15.

How to Stack Free Trials and Watch the Entire Group Stage for $0

• YouTube TV: start June 11 and cancel by July 1.
• Fubo TV: start July 2 and cancel by July 6.
• DirecTV MySports: start July 7 and cancel by July 11.
• FOX One: start July 12 and cancel by July 18.

Your Questions Answered

Yes, you can watch some World Cup matches for free in the US without a paid subscription. Tubi covers two confirmed live matches, and a TV antenna can unlock 70 FOX matches over the air for a one-time hardware cost.