Fox Soccer and FIFA will stream pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage for every match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The partnership aims to increase global viewership by blending high-profile entertainment with athletic competition. By introducing a massive entertainment spectacle to the final, the organizers hope to attract a broader audience beyond traditional soccer fans.
Fans can access the coverage through Fox Soccer’s YouTube channel, FOXSports.com, and the FOX Sports app. While every match this summer will include pregame, halftime, and postgame segments [1], the most significant event is reserved for the tournament's conclusion.
The World Cup final, scheduled for July 19, 2026 [2], will feature a halftime show modeled after the Super Bowl [3]. This performance will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey [4]. The lineup for the spectacle includes Madonna, Shakira, and BTS [5].
"We wanted to create a spectacular moment that brings together sport and music on a global stage," Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, said [6].
Mike Smith, a Fox Sports spokesperson, said fans can expect the halftime show at the final to feature some of the biggest names in music [7]. This specific star-studded performance is a one-time event for the final match, distinguishing it from the standard halftime coverage provided for other games in the tournament [1, 8].
The strategy reflects a growing trend of integrating pop culture milestones into international sporting events to maximize digital engagement across streaming platforms.
“The World Cup final, scheduled for July 19, 2026, will feature a halftime show modeled after the Super Bowl.”
This move signals FIFA's effort to 'Americanize' the World Cup final by adopting the US entertainment model of the Super Bowl. By partnering with Fox Sports for comprehensive streaming across YouTube and mobile apps, FIFA is prioritizing digital accessibility and pop-culture synergy to capture younger, global demographics who may be more attracted to the musical performers than the sport itself.
