As the World Cup tournament starts to kick off on Nov. 20, soccer fans must plan how they will watch it. This decision need not be cumbersome or restrictive, thanks to streaming services that replace cable or satellite packages.
Sling TV provides a $25 monthly option that offers FOX, FS1, and Telemundo channels and 50 hours of cloud DVR storage space.
Streaming services
As more sports programs move to streaming services, cord-cutters may find distinguishing which games to watch harder. Fox, for instance, owns English-language rights to the World Cup tournament and steers viewers toward its cable channels and paid app, while Tubi provides only on-demand replays of this tournament.
Sling TV, Hulu Live TV, FuboTV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and Vidgo are among the streaming services offering World Cup live streams in addition to traditional pay-TV providers. Some may offer one month of free subscriptions; however, it will charge a cancellation fee after this initial period. Unlike cable services, which only require credit card registration, most streaming services need you to sign up using one and may incur monthly charges.
Sling TV, for example, offers a promotion that grants customers their first month of service for just $20 (regularly $40). This service features at least 31 network channels – Fox will broadcast most World Cup matches – while subscribers of Sling Blue can take advantage of 50 hours of cloud DVR storage, which previously cost an extra $5 monthly fee.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar runs through Dec. 18 and features 32 teams competing in 64 matches; three times, Team USA is set to play, beginning either late at night or early morning so that fans can catch them when convenient.
The World Cup 2023 will mark the inaugural Winter World Cup tournament, so expect an increased crowd. Check out one of these bars or protect parties to watch with friends. Alternatively, screen recording software such as EaseUS RecExperts allows Mac and Windows users to capture favorite clips and share them with others; making idol GIF animations or editing match clips is possible with its user-friendly interface.
Antennas
An antenna can be an ideal way to watch the World Cup without paying for cable or satellite subscriptions. An antenna can pick up broadcasts from local TV towers and provide higher quality pictures than cable subscriptions – plus installation is cheap and simple! Furthermore, using one can help prevent overpaying for streaming services such as HBO. Various antennas are available, including HDTV and wireless TV antennas, which will suit your location and local terrain.
Many World Cup matches will air on Fox and Fox Sports 1 for English-language coverage, while Telemundo and NBC Universo provide Spanish commentary. If you subscribe to a paid streaming service that includes Fox and FS1 programming, live games may be streamed live, while nonsubscribers may catch these matches on-demand through Tubi (a Free Ad-Supported Video Service from Fox).
Streaming services such as DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo TV, and Sling TV offer local FOX stations such as FOX News Channel (FS1) as part of their channel lineups; however, to watch all 64 matches, you would require an upgrade package. Hulu with Live TV may also provide this content alongside several other channels in its base package.
If you are a cord-cutter, Sling TV (our review) offers free trials or add-on packages that feature FOX, FS1, and NBC Sports Network – which will all broadcast World Cup events. It has a 50GB DVR storage capacity, which can be upgraded to 200GB for $5 monthly!
Or you could consider signing up for a premium service like Vidgo. With over 110 live channels at less expensive non-promotional pricing than Sling TV’s standard package, this streaming provider also includes college and regional channels like ESPN, Big 10 Network, Pac-12 Networks, ACC Network, and Longhorn Network, as well as some national media such as Longhorn Network – making it an excellent option for fans of English Premier League as it will carry all fixtures for no additional fee.
Free trial periods
Streaming services that offer free trials of their subscription plans are an ideal way to watch the World Cup. You can try them before committing, but it provides another alternative if your original option proves unreliable or expensive. It’s important to remember that these services can be data intensive; to maximize the streaming experience, ensure your internet connection meets minimum speed requirements. Opt for services with unlimited DVR storage, if possible, to record every match without incurring additional data charges.
Cord-cutters don’t need to miss the 2022 World Cup! Many broadcasters with rights to broadcast the event offer websites where fans can stream the games live for free; examples include BBC iPlayer in the UK, and beIN Sports Connect across different countries offering this feature. In addition, replays of matches may also be found via Tubi or Hulu Plus Live TV services.
Cord-cutters in the US can watch most World Cup matches through Fox and FS1. Both channels can be found on various streaming services like Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV; additional cable apps such as DirecTV Stream and FuboTV will offer seven-day free trials to new subscribers.
Hulu with Live TV, available for $70 a month streaming service subscriptions on Roku, Apple TV/Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and mobile devices, is designed to give subscribers local Fox and Telemundo stations plus FS1 and NBCSN channels in its base package, along with opening and closing ceremonies of the World Cup as part of its opening package. Hulu will also show all opening and closing ceremonies during this World Cup tournament!
Tubi will offer replays of World Cup matches in 4K for free streaming service subscribers, notifying them when games start and adding to its library as the tournament progresses. However, viewing matches while working or parenting may be challenging since only two quarter-final matches are scheduled during work hours – most games take place on Saturdays.
Device compatibility
Fans eager to watch World Cup matches are looking forward to streaming on their preferred devices, but they need a device compatible with their streaming service of choice. When choosing an appropriate device, it is essential to consider factors like internet compatibility and user interface, as this will simplify finding matches.
Streaming services offer football fans an ideal solution when they don’t wish to pay for cable or don’t live near an affiliate broadcast station. But before signing on with one, it is vital to understand all of its legal agreements governing your World Cup viewing experience, especially blackout restrictions preventing specific matches from being live-streamed on your device if they are being shown via traditional television in your country.
FuboTV provides access to live streams of the US Open for as little as $5 a month in the US, featuring Fox and Telemundo in English and NBC Universo in Spanish channels – plus there is even a free trial period so you can evaluate their service before committing.
To ensure you can watch the World Cup in all its splendor, ensuring a fast and stable internet connection is crucial to enjoying it thoroughly. Achieved this through an online speed test to check download/upload speeds is advised before streaming; should any issues arise with your ISP, contact them immediately for assistance.
For an enhanced viewing experience, consider investing in a 4K TV or projector. At the same time, several streaming services provide 4K streams of the World Cup, but not all support HDR (i.e., BBC iPlayer only supports it on select devices – see list on the website to be sure).
