The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on, and the excitement is palpable across the United States. With the tournament set to kick off on June 11 across three North American countries— the U.S., Canada, and Mexico— fans are already gearing up for a summer packed with soccer drama, dazzling skills, and national pride. But before the world turns its attention to the grand opening, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is making final preparations, including a high-stakes friendly against Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago this Saturday, June 6. This match marks the last opportunity for the USMNT to fine-tune its lineup and tactics before the World Cup spotlight shines bright.
Let’s set the scene: the USMNT has been ramping up its World Cup readiness with a string of friendlies against formidable opponents. Most recently, they edged out Senegal 3-2 in a thrilling contest last Sunday, June 1. That victory injected a burst of confidence into the squad, but the looming clash with Germany promises to be an even sterner test. Germany, a perennial powerhouse on the global stage, offers exactly the kind of challenge the U.S. needs to gauge its strengths and weaknesses before the tournament begins in earnest.
For fans eager to catch every second of Saturday’s action, there’s no shortage of viewing options. The USMNT vs. Germany match will be broadcast live in English on TBS and in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo, with kick-off set for 2:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. CT). Streaming aficionados can tune in on HBO Max, where coverage begins an hour before the first whistle, or enjoy Spanish-language commentary on Peacock starting at 2 p.m. ET. Whether you’re a cable subscriber or a cord-cutter, the options are plentiful—YouTube TV, DirecTV, and other major platforms all have you covered.
Interested in streaming but not ready to commit? YouTube TV currently offers a 21-day free trial, with the first five months priced at $67.99/month before increasing to $82.99/month. DirecTV’s Entertainment tier, featuring over 90 channels including TBS and Telemundo, is available for $59.99 for the first month, and you can try any plan free for five days. HBO Max’s ad-free Standard plan starts at $18.49/month, while Peacock’s Spanish-language coverage is available at $11/month, with an option to upgrade to ad-free for $17/month. With so many choices, there’s really no excuse to miss out on the buildup to soccer’s biggest spectacle.
But the broadcast bonanza doesn’t stop with the friendlies. As the World Cup itself approaches, FOX is pulling out all the stops. The network shelled out nearly half a billion dollars for exclusive U.S. rights to the 2026 tournament, and it’s determined to deliver an unforgettable viewing experience. All 104 matches will be broadcast in 4K Ultra HD—70 on FOX and 34 on FS1. If you’ve got a 4K TV and a compatible device, you’re in for a treat. FOX One, the network’s new streaming platform, will feature every single World Cup match in 4K, starting at $19.99/month with a 3-day free trial. Want to bundle even more sports content? FOX One offers expanded packages with ESPN and FOX Nation for an additional fee.
Not to be outdone, YouTube TV offers local FOX and FS1 channels as part of its Sports Plan ($64.99/month), but you’ll need the 4K Plus add-on ($9.99/month) to unlock Ultra HD streams. The 4K Plus upgrade also provides unlimited home streams and offline downloads, making it a strong contender for big-game viewing. Other streaming services like Fubo (starting at $56/month) and DirecTV (from $65/month) offer 4K capabilities and free trial periods, while Sling TV provides FOX and FS1 in selected markets—though its 4K status for the World Cup remains unconfirmed. Hulu + Live TV and Peacock will carry FOX and FS1 broadcasts in HD only, so keep that in mind if you’re chasing the sharpest picture possible.
For those who prefer to keep things simple, free streamer Tubi will simulcast the World Cup’s opening ceremony and two featured matches—Mexico vs. South Africa and USA vs. Paraguay—in 4K, absolutely free. And if you’re traveling abroad this summer, don’t fret: using a VPN can help bypass regional restrictions and let you stream your home coverage from anywhere, ensuring you won’t miss a single goal or dramatic twist.
Of course, having the right hardware is key. To enjoy the World Cup in 4K, you’ll need a UHD-compatible TV or device such as Apple TV 4K, Fire TV Stick, or Roku with UHD settings enabled. Over-the-air broadcasts via antenna are also recommended for minimal lag, as they typically deliver a lower delay compared to streaming. While there’s still some uncertainty about whether matches will be broadcast in native 4K or upscaled from 1080p—FOX is expected to use upscaling, as it did for Super Bowl LIX—the visual spectacle will still be a major step up from standard HD.
Outside the U.S., the picture is a little less clear. Broadcasters like the BBC and ITV in the U.K. and TSN in Canada have yet to confirm 4K coverage, though Now TV in Hong Kong has announced its intention to show the tournament in UHD. Regardless, the global audience for the World Cup is set to soar into the billions, with fans everywhere eager to see if Lionel Messi and Argentina can defend their crown against the likes of Kylian Mbappé’s France, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, and Yamine Lamal’s Spain.
Back in Chicago, all eyes are on the USMNT as they face Germany in their final pre-World Cup test. The stakes may not be as high as they’ll be in a few weeks, but the implications are huge. This is the last chance for players to impress the coaching staff, for tactical tweaks to be made, and for fans to get a glimpse of what’s to come. With the right mix of youth and experience, and buoyed by recent results, the U.S. team is hoping to carry momentum into the group stage and beyond.
So, whether you’re planning to watch from the comfort of your living room in stunning 4K, streaming on your favorite device, or catching the action on the go, the stage is set for an unforgettable summer of soccer. The USMNT’s journey begins with Germany, but the real adventure starts when the world convenes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Stay tuned—this is one prelude you won’t want to miss.