Sport: Soccer Category: Scores & Results

ESPN addresses Fox criticism of World Cup coverage amid rights restrictions

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 3:30 PM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

ESPN addresses Fox criticism of World Cup coverage amid rights restrictions

Summary

ESPN is intensively covering the World Cup despite limited rights to broadcast highlights, issuing responses to criticism from Fox executives. Following U.S. Men's National Team's match against Paraguay, an anonymous Fox source claimed ESPN's coverage was lacking. ESPN, however, has aired daily programming and sent numerous reporters on-site. The network has faced strict regulations on highlight usage, allowing only limited footage after Fox's post-game coverage. ESPN executives maintain their commitment to providing comprehensive coverage within these limitations.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•ESPN airs soccer coverage despite not owning World Cup rights.
•Fox executives criticized ESPN's absence during USMNT's opener.
•ESPN employs various platforms for World Cup analysis and journalism.
•Highlight restrictions limit ESPN's ability to showcase match footage.
•ESPN provides analysis within strict FIFA guidelines on broadcast rights.

Latest Updates

3:30 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN responds to Fox World Cup coverage beef, touts ‘comprehensive coverage’ despite rights restrictions

What they're saying

"
ESPN is covering the World Cup with the same fervor it would for any other major global sporting event, despite draconian restrictions levied by FIFA on broadcasters that do not own the rights to air the tournament. One glance at a press release issued by ESPN prior to the World Cup would suggest the network…
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer