Fox Sports Sets Record With World Cup 2026 Coverage as Alexi Lalas Voices Concerns
The stage is set for the most expansive World Cup yet, as Fox Sports gears up for an unprecedented broadcast of the 2026 World Cup which is set to take place across North America. A record-breaking 69 matches will be broadcast live, marking a milestone for American networks in the global arena of soccer broadcasting.
A Historic Expansion
Fox Sports has not only embraced the growing interest in soccer across the USA but also aligned with the grand plans of FIFA. With the tournament now featuring 48 teams, the coverage will include more broadcasts than ever before in its 32-year history, as declared by Eric Shanks, the CEO of Fox Sports. This aligns with the World Cup’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams, making this a never-before-seen sports spectacle.
USMNT’s Homecoming Challenge
As the USA co-hosts the World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, the US Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) finds itself in the spotlight. Yet, this spotlight comes with pressure, as articulated by former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas. During a talkSPORT interview, Lalas expressed skepticism about the team’s ability to win the cup on home turf, emphasizing the need for the team to perform beyond its past laurels.
Reflecting on 1994 and the Future
Lalas, who played during the 1994 World Cup — the last edition hosted in the USA — shared insights into the pressures of being a host nation. The 1994 event marked a pivotal moment for soccer’s growth in America, and similar stakes are set for 2026. The USMNT will need to channel its past spirit to topple its best historical performance, reaching as far as the quarterfinals in 2002.
Fox Sports’ Bold Vision
FOX Sports’ announcement promises not just an extensive broadcast scale but also innovative viewer experiences. With all 104 matches accessible through Fox’s streaming service, the broadcaster is committed to delivering this massive sporting event to every corner of America. Details of the full broadcast schedule will follow after the World Cup draw, setting the stage for what could be the most dynamic and far-reaching television display in Fox’s history.
Join the excitement as MetLife Stadium in New Jersey prepares to host the final, intertwining sports with a dialogue on innovative broadcasting and cross-border collaboration. According to talkSPORT, Fox Sports’ chief aim is to make the 2026 World Cup a broadcast experience to remember.
