Fans were left scratching their heads as Fox's English-language broadcast of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the States drew to a close, sparking a heated debate about whether it was a triumph or a turkey. The tournament marked the final chapter in Fox's exclusive deal with FIFA since 2018, and now the future of US World Cup coverage hangs precariously in the balance – a nail-biting cliffhanger that has left everyone from pundits to punters on tenterhooks.
Rebecca Lowe was the undisputed star of the show, bringing her trademark spark and authority to the studio desk. Jules Breach and Pien Meulensteen also impressed with their effervescent reporting style, injecting a much-needed dose of energy into Fox's coverage of the lower-profile matches. Yet, despite these bright sparks, the broadcast remained a mixed bag – a frenetic blend of highs and lows that had viewers questioning whether it was the full monty or just a half-baked affair.
The broadcast was peppered with some bizarre moments: Gianni Infantino making cameo appearances, Landon Donovan's celebrity spotter segments, and Geoff Shreeves still getting stuck in the mud on the sidelines. But perhaps the most perplexing decision of all was Fox's choice to house their studio team in a soulless LA studio – a cavernous set that looked like it belonged in a Las Vegas conference centre rather than the iconic stadiums of Qatar, Morocco, or Argentina.
As the tournament drew to a close, speculation reached fever pitch about what the future holds for Fox's US World Cup coverage. With the rights to broadcast the 2030 World Cup and beyond still up for grabs, this may well have been Fox's swansong in the States – leaving fans and industry insiders alike on tenterhooks as they wait with bated breath to see who will be the next big players in the world of US football broadcasting.