The World Cup is the highest-viewed sporting event of all time, and cord-cutters can find several ways to follow its action. Depending on where they reside, viewers can tune in via cable television or streaming services like Sling Blue and FuboTV.
Sling Blue provides Fox and FS1 channels in most markets for just $20 per month; FuboTV costs $75 monthly but offers 4K streams and 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage space.
Cable
FOX paid for English-language rights to broadcast live World Cup matches on its Fox networks and FS1; cable replacement services such as YouTube TV, Sling TV, fuboTV, and Hulu with Live TV provide these channels, though you will need an antenna if you wish to view over-the-air signals.
YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV offer 4K streams for the World Cup matches. Furthermore, FIFA App and Peacock will provide some matches in 4K quality. If none of these services is available to you then Tubi TV offers free ad-supported 4K streams; however, this service only has rights to air after-match content due to limited streaming capacity.
DirecTV Stream offers one of the broadest channel selections among cable-free streaming services, with both Fox and FS1 as well as NBC Sports Network and ESPN available in many markets; its Entertainment tier also includes Telemundo for those preferring Spanish-language coverage; plus, it allows you to store unlimited hours of World Cup replays!
Considering cable-free streaming? Check our reviews of YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV to determine whether they carry your desired channels. Most have flexible contracts, so cancellation can happen whenever selected; unlike traditional cable, however, they require an active Internet connection to operate correctly.
YouTube will also stream World Cup matches live and provide highlights and analysis from select games on their website, while Twitter, Snapchat, and Snapchat provide daily highlights and analysis from each match. If you prefer watching with other soccer fans in person, look at this list of local bars and other spots hosting viewing parties – or use ExpressVPN to connect to a country that will show the matches of interest!
Streaming Services
Those looking to cut the cord have multiple streaming options for watching the World Cup: DirectTV Stream, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all hold licenses to broadcast matches here in America; Tubi also supports World Cup broadcasts, while fuboTV caters specifically to soccer games.
Most matches will air on Fox and FS1, with Fox covering it in English, while FS1 will show the tournament in Spanish. All primary cable replacement services carry both channels and Hulu with Live TV (ad-free streaming) and DirectTV Now, an ad-free service slated to rebrand as such later.
Sling TV in the US offers an impressive World Cup special at a discounted rate of $31 that shows both their Sling Blue package and Sports Extra package for one month, providing access to every English-language match of this tournament. They also support Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV devices, Android/iOS phones/tablets, bright TV sets, and gaming consoles – providing access to every match played this summer.
DirectTV Now, newly rebranded as DirecTV Now, now holds rights to all 64 matches at this year’s World Cup, and its basic $35 plan includes all channels you need to watch, such as local Fox stations and FS1. Add it as an add-on or purchase separately at only $15/month or for $70 per month – there’s even an add-on/subscription plan deal available!
FuboTV is another solid choice, as it has rights to all World Cup matches and other sporting events. FuboTV typically charges $55 monthly but is currently running a special offer where its cost drops to $45. FuboTV supports Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices and can be watched across most Android/iOS phones/tablets, bright TV sets, and game consoles; However, not as many channels exist as Sling or YouTube TV, fubo provides live coverage of the tournament more thoroughly than either service does!
Antennas
Antennas are an excellent solution for anyone watching the World Cup without cable. An antenna can pick up signals from local broadcasters and deliver a better-quality picture than satellite or streaming services. However, they might not be ideal if you need to record games or need ample storage space. If this interests you, please call Jim’s Antennas so they can provide further details regarding all of their options available to you.
Most cable replacement services will offer FOX and FS1 free via over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts, and some will even include the soccer-focused Peacock channel owned by NBC for no extra cost. However, a paid service such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV fuboTV, or DirecTV Stream may be necessary to save games or gain access to other media.
Tubi TV provides free access to the 2022 Women’s World Cup via an ad-supported streaming service that offers all 64 matches after they air live, and you download its app onto Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Xfinity X1. Games will also be streamed in 4K (after matches finish).
Another great way to watch the world cup without cable is through VPN services, which enable users to surf the web as if living in their native country and thus unlock content not otherwise available there. While more costly than regular streaming subscriptions, it could well be worth it for sports enthusiasts!
No matter how you plan on watching the world cup, your home must be appropriately prepared before games begin. Make sure your TV can receive signals properly, your internet is fast enough to handle streaming video content efficiently and check that your antenna works as intended.
Jim’s Antennas offers free onsite quotes if you need help setting up or tuning in your TV. Our team can install or upgrade antennas to ensure optimal reception for your television set.
VPN
VPNs allow viewers to stream World Cup matches more conveniently by redirecting their Internet connection through a server located in the country where the game is taking place, enabling you to gain access to local broadcasts without paying cable or satellite subscription fees – for instance, British fans can watch 2022 World Cup matches free via BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub by connecting to a UK-based VPN server.
Use a VPN connection to unlock unavailable streaming services in your country, like watching the World Cup on NBC Sports and FOX in America with Sling TV; alternatively, use it to unlock international broadcasts via Netflix and Amazon Prime.
To ensure a great streaming experience, opt for a provider that provides fast, stable connections and user-friendly apps like ExpressVPN – my recommendation as it works with over 65 streaming apps (including many World Cup broadcasters), offers secure yet simple-to-use apps on all devices, lightning-fast connections via Lightway protocol technology, as well as providing router apps to configure VPN access across your home network automatically.
If you’re in search of an affordable and reliable VPN, PIA VPN could be an ideal choice. Boasting over 900 servers spread across 60 countries, its speeds support HD streaming without too much buffering or lag; plus, it encrypts data ensuring safe use when connected via public Wi-Fi networks.
NordVPN is another top choice for football fans. Its connections tend to be faster than industry standards, and its obfuscation technology helps to protect your privacy. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee included you can try it risk-free for 30 days. Its easy app installation on all significant devices takes only minutes while setup is available, even on smart TVs and gaming consoles!
