The World Cup fever is about to collide with the MLS scene, and it's about to get intense! MLS and Fox are gearing up for a strategic broadcast move that could shape the league's future. But here's the twist: it's a doubleheader scheduled between the World Cup semifinals and the grand finale!
Credit where it's due: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
With the 2026 MLS season kicking off, Fox has unveiled its 34-game broadcast schedule. This is the last dance for Fox's non-exclusive media rights deal, allowing them to showcase a limited number of MLS games each season. Meanwhile, Apple TV, the exclusive home of MLS until 2028-29, has decided to remove the Season Pass paywall, making every game accessible to all subscribers.
But here's where it gets interesting: despite Apple TV's move, Fox's broadcast slots remain crucial for the league's exposure. Apple TV's usage still trails behind other streaming platforms, so traditional TV coverage is essential to keep MLS in the spotlight for casual fans.
Now, the World Cup hosted in North America this summer is a massive opportunity. Kicking off on June 11 and culminating on July 19, it's set to be the most-watched soccer event in US history. And this is the part most people miss—the MLS is seizing the moment by pausing its season for two months, allowing its players to participate in the World Cup.
But the real drama unfolds on July 17, two days before the World Cup Final. Fox Sports, the English-language broadcaster, will present a doubleheader to celebrate the league's return. Atlanta United FC will battle Nashville SC in a primetime clash at 8 p.m. ET on Fox, followed by the fierce rivalry of El Tráfico at 10:30 p.m. ET on FS1, featuring LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC.
These matches will be a litmus test, revealing the impact of the World Cup on MLS's popularity. Will the World Cup fever translate into a significant boost for the league? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is building!
