Soccer has never been bigger in the United States. After hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, more American fans than ever are following leagues from England, Spain, Germany, Italy, Mexico and at home. The challenge is that every league lives on a different service.
This guide lays out where the major competitions stream in the US and how to put together a soccer setup that doesn't break the bank.
Note: Soccer TV rights are renegotiated every few years, and some matches move between platforms. Always confirm on the league's official website or the broadcaster's schedule before match day.
Where the major leagues stream
English Premier League
NBC Sports holds US rights. Most matches stream on Peacock, with selected matches on NBC (free with an antenna) and USA Network (available through live TV services). Peacock is the one subscription every Premier League fan needs.
UEFA Champions League
The Champions League, plus the Europa League and Conference League, streams on Paramount+, with selected matches on CBS — free with an antenna — and CBS Sports Network. Spanish-language coverage is on TUDN/ViX.
Major League Soccer (MLS)
MLS has an exclusive deal with Apple. Matches stream through the Apple TV app — no cable needed — on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and the Apple TV app on Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, smart TVs and game consoles. A limited number of matches also air on linear TV.
La Liga (Spain) and Bundesliga (Germany)
Both leagues have streamed on ESPN's streaming service (formerly ESPN+), with occasional matches on ESPN's TV channels. Spanish-language coverage of some leagues is available on other platforms.
Serie A (Italy)
Serie A has streamed on Paramount+, with some matches on CBS Sports channels.
Liga MX (Mexico)
Liga MX rights are split by club, so matches are spread across Univision/TUDN, ViX, Telemundo/Peacock, FOX and others. Check your club's broadcaster.
US Men's and Women's National Teams
USMNT and USWNT friendlies and qualifiers are generally shown on TNT/truTV (streaming on Max), and in Spanish on Universo/Peacock, with major tournaments on the rights-holding broadcasters for that competition.
Quick reference
| Competition | Main US streaming home | Free on antenna? |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League | Peacock | Selected matches on NBC |
| Champions League | Paramount+ | Selected matches on CBS |
| MLS | Apple TV app | Limited |
| La Liga / Bundesliga | ESPN streaming | Rare |
| Serie A | Paramount+ | Rare |
| Liga MX | Varies by club | Some on FOX/Univision |
Building a soccer setup without cable
You don't need every service at once. Choose based on the leagues you follow.
The European fan: Peacock + Paramount+. Covers the Premier League and the Champions League — the two biggest competitions — at a modest monthly cost.
The all-in European fan: Peacock + Paramount+ + ESPN streaming. Adds La Liga and the Bundesliga.
The MLS supporter: Apple TV subscription for MLS, plus an antenna for occasional national broadcasts.
The Liga MX fan: A live TV service with Spanish-language channels (or ViX) plus Peacock, depending on your club.
Tip: The European season runs roughly August to May, and MLS runs roughly late February to December. Subscribe only when your leagues are in season.
Spanish-language coverage
Many matches have Spanish-language broadcasts, often on different platforms than the English feed. Telemundo/Universo/Peacock, Univision/TUDN/ViX and ESPN Deportes carry large amounts of soccer. If you enjoy Spanish commentary, this can add matches you'd otherwise miss.
Early kickoffs and DVR
European matches often kick off early in the morning on the East Coast and even earlier out West. Make sure your setup can handle replays:
- Peacock, Paramount+ and ESPN offer full match replays on demand.
- Live TV services include a cloud DVR.
- Turn off score notifications on your phone if you plan to watch later.
Get the viewing experience right
Soccer is a wide, fast game — a big screen and good motion handling make a real difference. Our live sports TV setup guide covers settings, sound and latency, and our buffering fixes will keep the stream smooth when it matters.
Bottom line
For most US fans, Peacock and Paramount+ are the foundation of a soccer setup, covering the Premier League and the Champions League. Add ESPN's streaming service for Spain and Germany, the Apple TV app for MLS, and an antenna for the free matches on NBC, CBS and FOX. Subscribe by season, and you'll follow the game you love without cable.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best single service for soccer in the US?
For most fans it's Peacock, which carries the majority of Premier League matches. Paramount+ is a close second for the Champions League. Together they cover the two biggest competitions.
Can I watch soccer for free?
Some matches air on broadcast networks — including NBC, CBS, FOX, Telemundo and Univision — which you can watch with an HD antenna for free. Most league matches, however, require a streaming subscription.
Do I need an Apple device to watch MLS?
No. The Apple TV app runs on Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, many smart TVs, game consoles and web browsers, as well as iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.
How can I watch early-morning European matches later?
Peacock, Paramount+ and ESPN's streaming service offer full-match replays on demand. Turn off score alerts on your phone so the result isn't spoiled.
