The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be one of the biggest sports streaming events in U.S. history, and new research suggests Americans will be watching from just about every screen imaginable.
A new survey from Reviews.org of 1,000 Americans planning to watch the tournament found that while traditional TV remains a major viewing destination, social media, streaming services, and even over-the-air antennas will all play a significant role in how fans follow the action.
With the tournament kicking off on June 11 and stretching across 104 matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the study offers an early look at how fans are preparing for soccer’s biggest event.
Social Media Is Winning the Attention Battle
The most surprising finding from the survey wasn’t about streaming or cable. Instead, it was the overwhelming number of fans who plan to follow the tournament through clips and highlights on social media.
According to the survey:
- 80.8% plan to watch clips and highlights on social media
- 72.7% plan to watch on traditional TV or cable
- 79.6% plan to watch the opening match
- 58.8% plan to watch through FOX One or Peacock Premium
- 35.3% plan to watch using an antenna and local broadcast stations
Notably, the data highlights how viewing habits continue to evolve. While live matches remain important, many fans appear just as interested in consuming highlights, reactions, and key moments through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Streaming Will Be a Major Part of the World Cup Experience
Nearly 59% of respondents said they expect to watch through either FOX One or Peacock Premium, underscoring the growing importance of streaming services for major sporting events.
The survey also found that nearly 48% of fans plan to sign up for a streaming service specifically to watch the World Cup, though some may not stick around once the tournament ends. About 22% said they expect to cancel those subscriptions after the event concludes. This puts the World Cup in a similar category as NFL Sunday Ticket, March Madness, and other premium sports offerings that drive temporary subscriber spikes.
Traditional TV Isn’t Going Away Yet, and the Draw of Team USA
Despite years of cord cutting, traditional television remains a dominant platform for major live sports. More than 72% of respondents said they plan to watch the World Cup through traditional TV or cable packages.
At the same time, free over-the-air viewing remains relevant. More than one-third of respondents said they expect to watch through an antenna or local affiliate station. With FOX offering extensive English-language coverage and Telemundo for the Spanish side, viewers will have comprehensive ways to watch on free TV.
When asked which teams they planned to watch, Team USA easily topped the list.
According to Reviews.org’s data:
- 94% plan to watch Team USA matches
- 69.8% plan to watch Brazil
- 67.5% plan to watch England
- 61.3% plan to watch Spain
- 59.3% plan to watch Germany
- 58.6% plan to watch Argentina
- 58.3% plan to watch France
- 55.9% plan to watch Mexico
The results suggest that while American fans will rally around the U.S. Men’s National Team, interest extends well beyond the home nation.
The Biggest World Cup Streaming Event Ever Is About to Begin
For cord cutters, the 2026 FIFA World Cup may be the most accessible tournament ever. FOX Sports will air all 104 matches across FOX and FS1, while its direct-to-consumer streaming platform, FOX One, will play a central role in delivering coverage to streaming-only viewers. FOX has already unveiled an aggressive rollout strategy that includes expanded streaming access, a partnership with Delta’s in-flight entertainment platform, and even a promotion offering one fan $50,000 to watch the entire tournament.
Meanwhile, Tubi is expected to become one of the biggest stories of the tournament with the launch of its dedicated World Cup hub, including highlights, live matches, analysis, and additional content for free. Peacock will also carry every match in Spanish while adding interactive features and enhanced viewing experiences for subscribers.
Outside of the major streaming services, companies are already building World Cup hubs for fans. Roku recently launched its Soccer Zone experience to help viewers find matches, highlights, news, and related content ahead of the tournament.
And for those looking to save money before kickoff, Verizon is currently offering eligible customers three months of FOX One at no additional cost, giving fans another path into the tournament without paying full price.
If the Reviews.org survey is any indication, Americans are preparing to watch the World Cup in more ways than ever before. Whether it’s through a cable box, a streaming app, a rooftop antenna, or a social media feed packed with highlights, the 2026 FIFA World Cup appears poised to become one of the largest multi-platform viewing events the United States has ever seen.