You don't need cable to watch the World Cup — a TV antenna could get you the games for free

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is one of the biggest sporting events on the planet, but watching every match – including USA vs Australia – in the U.S. isn't cheap.Most fans assume they need a cable package with Fox or streaming service such as YouTube TV to tune in. But that's not necessarily true.

The good news: if your local Fox station is available over the air, a simple TV antenna could let you watch World Cup matches for free – without any subscription!Here's how a TV antenna can get you World Cup matches, the potential issues, and where to find free World Cup live streams if an antenna isn't for you.

A TV antenna can let you watch the World Cup (free)

Fox is a broadcast network, which means its signal is transmitted freely over the air in much of the United States.Connect one of the best TV antennas, run a channel scan and you may be able to receive your local Fox affiliate alongside other free channels.If so, you can watch Fox broadcasts without paying for cable, YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, etc.

But here's the catch with antennas...