USMNT smashes U.S. soccer viewership record in World Cup opener
18 million viewers tuned in as the Americans delivered a dazzling first match against Paraguay, cementing soccer’s mainstream surge ahead of 2026.
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FS1 and Telemundo carry the game live; free trials, antennas, and streaming services deliver the match without a ticket or cable bill.
Colombia and Uzbekistan face off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a live broadcast on FS1 and Telemundo, plus free streaming options that require no cable subscription. viewers can lock it in via FS1’s English feed or Telemundo’s Spanish broadcast. Traditional TV viewers can tune in over the air with a digital antenna if Telemundo is in their local lineup.
Streaming fans have two zero-cost routes: sign up for a free trial on Fubo or DirecTV Stream, both of which carry FS1 and Telemundo in their base packages. Platforms like Tubi and PlutoTV also list Telemundo as an on-demand channel for catch-up viewing within 24 hours of the original broadcast. FS1’s broadcast team will feature play-by-play from John Strong with color from Stu Holden, while Telemundo’s crew includes commentary from Andrés Cantor and Ciro Procuna.
m. audiences. Colombia, ranked 12th in FIFA’s latest standings, brings a squad led by James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz, while Uzbekistan—ranked 74th—will rely on veterans Eldor Shomurodov and Oston Urunov to pull off the upset.
The match is part of FIFA’s expanded 48-team format, giving underdogs like Uzbekistan a direct route to the knockout rounds. The fixture lands in the tournament’s opening week, a slot traditionally reserved for marquee clashes that set the tone for the entire competition. By scheduling Colombia-Uzbekistan early, FIFA is signaling its intent to spotlight smaller nations, leveraging the World Cup’s expanded format to showcase geographic diversity.
This isn’t just another group-stage game; it’s a deliberate platform for narrative-building, where a win for Uzbekistan could ripple across Asian football’s development narrative. Uzbekistan’s path to the World Cup highlights the tournament’s structural shift. The Central Asian side navigated a brutal Asian qualifying gauntlet, defeating Saudi Arabia and the UAE in playoff shootouts before edging past Oman in a two-legged tie.
Their journey underscores how the expanded format rewards consistency over one-off brilliance, a theme that contrasts sharply with Colombia’s star-studded but sometimes inconsistent approach. FS1’s broadcast team will feature play-by-play from John Strong with color from Stu Holden, while Telemundo’s crew includes commentary from Andrés Cantor and Ciro Procuna. m.
audiences. What's next: The winner advances to the Round of 32 when the 2026 World Cup group stage resumes the following matchday. Fans should bookmark the official FIFA app for live scores and post-match highlights.
Why this matters: This clash isn’t just about three points; it’s a David-vs-Goliath narrative with global reach. Free access via FS1, Telemundo, and trial-based streaming removes traditional barriers, letting casual fans and die-hards alike experience a World Cup underdog story in real time. viewers especially, the zero-cost options democratize a tournament that often hides behind paywalls.
FAQ What time is Colombia vs Uzbekistan? m. ET window; exact date and time will be confirmed by FIFA one month before the match.
Where can I watch Colombia vs Uzbekistan on TV? FS1 carries the English broadcast; Telemundo handles Spanish. Both are available over the air via a digital antenna if your local affiliate carries them.
How can I stream Colombia vs Uzbekistan for free? Sign up for a free trial on Fubo or DirecTV Stream—both include FS1 and Telemundo. Telemundo’s on-demand channel on Tubi or PlutoTV offers replays within 24 hours.
Is the match on YouTube TV or Hulu? Not in their base plans; free trials are not offered by those services for this match. Fubo and DirecTV Stream are the only zero-cost pathways currently available.
S.? licenses; check Telemundo’s official site for regional blackouts before using a VPN. Can I watch the match on my phone without signing up?
S. TV provider login or one of the free trial services listed above. Read at NewsAPI.org
This clash isn’t just about three points; it’s a David-vs-Goliath narrative with global reach. Free access via FS1, Telemundo, and trial-based streaming removes traditional barriers, letting casual fans and die-hards alike experience a World Cup underdog story in real time. For U.S. viewers especially, the zero-cost options democratize a tournament that often hides behind paywalls. The expanded 48-team format amplifies the stakes: a single result here could redefine how smaller nations approach future World Cups, turning this match into a case study for football’s evolving power dynamics.
NewsAPI.orggoal.comBy Neil Bennett18 Jun, 4:20en
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