Fox Sports’ 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Presentation Features 38 Matches On Network Television
Fox Sports announced an impressive schedule for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, featuring all 64 matches live, including an unprecedented 38 matches on broadcast television and 26 on FS1. From June 14 through July 15, all matches can also be live-streamed via Fox Sports GO and Fox Soccer Match Pass. The announcement was made by David Neal, Fox Sports Executive Producer, FIFA World Cup and Vice President of Production.
For the first time in English-language television history, 38 matches will air live on broadcast television, more than the last four World Cups combined. Group stage action begins on Fox with host country Russia battling Saudi Arabia on Thursday, June 14 at 11 a.m. ET and ends with the FIFA World Cup final will be crowned on Sunday, July 15 at 11 a.m. ET.
“The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia is not only the summer’s biggest sporting event, but Fox Sports’ largest production in our 24-year history,” says Neal.
“Our programming team has done a terrific job curating a schedule fit for an event of this magnitude, showcasing thrilling matchups on both Fox and FS1, including more matches than ever before on broadcast television.”
Additional highlights scheduled for the Fox broadcast network include global soccer icons, Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal vs. Spain on Friday, June 15 at 2 p.m. ET) and Lionel Messi (Argentina vs. Iceland on Saturday, June 16 at 9 a.m. ET), both looking for their first World Cup titles and reigning champion Germany on Saturday, June 23 at 2 p.m. ET) competing for its fifth World Cup.
FS1’s presentation includes 26 matches, highlighted by an action-packed opening weekend that features Germany, Brazil, France and Mexico. One of the most anticipated doubleheaders of group stage action is on Sunday, June 17 at 11 a.m. ET as No. 1-ranked Germany squares off against No. 17-ranked Mexico, a team seeking to end a streak of six consecutive defeats in the round of 16 followed by Neymar and Brazil opening their World Cup campaign against Switzerland at 2 p.m. ET). On Saturday, June 16, Didier Deschamps’ France battles Australia at 6 a.m. ET, and Peru returns to the world’s biggest stage after 36 years against Denmark at noon ET.
In addition to match coverage, FOX Sports will offer extensive coverage studio programming for the month-long tournament originating from Russia’s iconic Red Square, including pre-game, post-game and late-night shows.