Peacock streams World Cup matches, but not all of them

Peacock carries some World Cup matches during the tournament, but it does not have exclusive rights to all games. The broadcast rights are split among multiple networks and streaming services, so which matches you can watch on Peacock depends on which World Cup year you are asking about and which network owns the rights that year.

For the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Peacock will stream matches alongside Fox, FS1, and Telemundo. For the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, matches aired on Fox, FS1, Telemundo, and Peacock. The specific games available on Peacock change based on the broadcast schedule set by the rights holder.

To find out which exact matches Peacock is showing, check the Peacock app or website closer to the tournament start date, or visit the official FIFA World Cup schedule to see which network is broadcasting each game.

Key Takeaways

  • Peacock streams World Cup matches, but the rights are shared with Fox, FS1, and Telemundo, so not every game is on Peacock.
  • The specific matches available on Peacock change from tournament to tournament and depend on the broadcast schedule set by the rights holder.
  • You can check the Peacock app or the official FIFA World Cup schedule to see which network is showing each match.
  • Some matches may require a Peacock subscription, while others may be available through a cable or streaming TV provider login.

How World Cup broadcast rights work

The FIFA World Cup is licensed to different broadcasters in different countries. In the United States, the rights are sold to a single company or group of companies for a set period. That company then decides how to split the matches among its networks and streaming services.

For recent tournaments, Fox Sports has held the U.S. broadcast rights and distributed matches across Fox (the main network), FS1 (a cable sports channel), Telemundo (Spanish-language broadcasts), and Peacock (the streaming service). This means some matches air on cable television, some on broadcast television, and some stream only on Peacock.

The exact breakdown of which matches go to which platform is decided by the rights holder before the tournament begins. There is no rule that says every match must be on every platform.

What you need to watch on Peacock

Peacock offers both free and paid subscription tiers. Some World Cup matches may be available to free Peacock users, while others may require a paid subscription (Peacock Premium or Premium Plus). The specific tier needed depends on the match and the broadcast agreement in place.

If a match is available on Peacock, you can watch it through the Peacock app on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer. You will need to create a Peacock account and sign in, even if you are using the free tier.

Some matches may also be available through cable or streaming TV provider logins (such as cable, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV), which would let you watch on Peacock without a separate Peacock subscription.

Checking the broadcast schedule before the tournament

The best way to know which matches are on Peacock is to check the official FIFA World Cup schedule once it is released. The schedule typically comes out a few months before the tournament begins.

On the FIFA World Cup website, you can filter by country and see which broadcaster has each match. In the United States, this will show you whether a game is on Fox, FS1, Telemundo, or Peacock.

You can also check the Peacock app directly. Peacock usually creates a dedicated World Cup section during the tournament with all available matches listed by date and time.

Other ways to watch if a match is not on Peacock

If a match you want to watch is not on Peacock, it will be on one of the other broadcasters with U.S. rights. Most matches air on Fox or FS1, which are available through cable, satellite, or streaming TV services like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV.

Telemundo carries Spanish-language broadcasts and is available through cable, satellite, or the same streaming TV services. Some streaming TV services include Telemundo in their base package, while others charge extra.

If you do not have cable or a streaming TV service, you may be able to watch on the network's website or app using a cable or streaming provider login. Check the Fox Sports, FS1, or Telemundo websites to see if they offer this option.

Planning ahead for the next World Cup

World Cup tournaments happen every four years. The next one is in 2026, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Broadcast rights for that tournament have already been awarded to Fox Sports, so Peacock will likely carry matches again.

To stay informed about which matches will be on Peacock, follow the official FIFA World Cup social media accounts or check back on the Peacock website as the tournament approaches. Broadcast schedules are usually finalized a few months before the tournament begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch every World Cup match on Peacock?

No. Peacock carries some matches, but the broadcast rights are split among Fox, FS1, Telemundo, and Peacock. Most matches air on Fox or FS1, which require cable or a streaming TV service. Check the official FIFA schedule to see which network has each game.

Do I need to pay for Peacock to watch World Cup matches?

It depends on the match. Some World Cup games may be available to free Peacock users, while others may require a paid subscription. The broadcast agreement determines which tier each match is on. Check the Peacock app or the FIFA schedule closer to the tournament to find out.

What if I have cable but do not have the Peacock app?

You can watch Peacock matches through your cable provider's login on the Peacock website or app. You will need to sign in with your cable account credentials. Some cable providers also include Peacock Premium as part of their package.

Can I watch World Cup matches on my phone with Peacock?

Yes. read the Peacock app on your phone or tablet, sign in, and find the World Cup section. You can stream matches on any device that supports the Peacock app, including phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers.

When will the 2026 World Cup broadcast schedule be released?

Broadcast schedules are typically released a few months before the tournament. For the 2026 World Cup, check the official FIFA World Cup website and Peacock's website starting in late 2025 or early 2026 for the full schedule.