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NFL free agency 2025 predictions: One top target for every team

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NFL free agency 2025 predictions: One top target for every team

This is supposedly the NFL offseason, but if you’re feeling like you may be suffering from a case of whiplash, there’s a good reason for that.

The Super Bowl came and went on Feb. 9. Two weeks later, the NFL world descended on Indianapolis for the annual scouting combine. And next week, free agency kicks off.

Essentially, the action never stops in the NFL. As a result, multitasking is a crucial strength for general managers. By week’s end, front offices across the league will have finalized their game plan for free agency. Monday, at noon ET, the legal tampering period begins. Wednesday, the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET.

The NFL salary cap is set at $279.2 million — a jump of roughly $24 million from last season — so every team will have some money to spend. How much varies on a case-by-case basis, and as a result, some teams will rely more heavily on the draft than free agency to fill holes, and others will go on spending sprees. Regardless, needs will be met next week. And so, we’re looking into our crystal ball and offering you one free-agent target prediction for every team.

Arizona Cardinals: Edge Haason Reddick

The 2017 Cardinals first-round pick is a free agent after a frustrating 2024, when he was traded from the Eagles to the Jets, who both declined to grant his wishes for a long-term contract extension. Now Reddick hits the open market, and his former team makes a lot of sense. The Cardinals need pass-rushing help after no player managed more than five sacks in 2024, and the team ranked 13th in this statistic. After a lengthy holdout, Reddick appeared in only 10 games for the Jets, starting two of them. But he recorded double-digit sacks in the four seasons prior and could fill a big need for Arizona.

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Atlanta Falcons: Edge Khalil Mack

The Falcons ranked 31st in the league in sacks last season, with just 31. They need pass-rushing help in the worst way and would be wise to find help in this department in both free agency and the draft. Although not brimming with spending money, they need to find a way to free up some cash, and Mack — named to the Pro Bowl the last three seasons with the Chargers — would seemingly fit well.

Baltimore Ravens: FS Tre’von Moehrig

The Ravens have decisions to make with a number of their own players, including left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who is set to hit free agency. But as far as outside free agents go, they need help in their secondary, where a lack of speed and impact plays hampered their efforts. Moehrig would fill a big need at free safety after racking up 104 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions for the Raiders last season.

Buffalo Bills: WR Hollywood Brown

Easing pressure on Josh Allen is the name of the game, and the Bills need a field-stretching wideout to give their offense a greater home-run threat. Brown missed the bulk of last season with the Chiefs with injury, but now healthy again, he could provide a nice spark.

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Carolina Panthers: DT D.J. Jones

While Bryce Young displayed encouraging signs of growth, the Panthers remain a ways off from contention, and upgrading their defense is a high priority. Jones is among the most disruptive interior defensive linemen on the market, and he has ties to Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero from their time together in Denver. Jones would provide a veteran presence on a defense that is expected to feature multiple rookies next season.

Chicago Bears: C Drew Dalman

Positioning Caleb Williams for success is priority No. 1 for Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles, and based on the moves they made this week (trading for Rams lineman Jonah Jackson and Chiefs lineman Joe Thuney), supporting Williams begins with solidifying the offensive line. So look for the Bears’ new coach and fourth-year GM to work to further bolster this unit. A reliable center like Dalman would go a long way toward helping Williams find comfort in the pocket, and also would bolster a run game that can serve as a valuable security blanket for the second-year quarterback.

Cincinnati Bengals: G Brandon Scherff

Working out long-term extensions for Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are among the Bengals’ top offseason priorities. But Cincinnati also must further fortify its offensive line, especially following the cost-cutting release of guard Alex Cappa. A potential target: Scherff, the five-time Pro Bowl selection and fifth pick of the 2015 draft. After leaving Washington, Scherff battled injuries with Jacksonville. But when healthy, he’s a force in the trenches and would make life easier for Joe Burrow.

Cleveland Browns: QB Kirk Cousins

That’s IF the Falcons wind up cutting the 36-year-old Cousins now that they’re all-in on second-year pro Michael Penix Jr. Cousins makes so much sense for the Browns, who appear unlikely to have Deshaun Watson for some time because of the setback he experienced in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. Cousins played under Browns coach Kevin Stefanski when the latter was offensive coordinator in Minnesota and seemingly would be able to make a seamless transition to the Browns.


The Steelers declined Najee Harris’ fifth-year option. (Dale Zanine / Imagn Images)

Dallas Cowboys: RB Najee Harris

Jerry Jones committed malpractice by neglecting to address the running back position last offseason. Perhaps he has learned from his mistake and will devote resources to it now to give first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer and quarterback Dak Prescott a better shot at success. Harris played in every game over the past four seasons for the Steelers, but Pittsburgh declined his fifth-year option. He rushed 263 times for 1,043 yards (4.0 average) and six touchdowns last season.

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Denver Broncos: WR Amari Cooper

The Broncos badly want a veteran wide receiver to pair with second-year pro Bo Nix. With the Bengals taking Tee Higgins off the free-agent market by using the franchise tag on him for a second straight offseason, Cooper is among the best options available. The 30-year-old never seemed to fully settle in with Buffalo after a midseason trade, but he should fit well with Sean Payton’s offense.

Detroit Lions: Edge Azeez Ojulari

The Lions are hoping leading pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson makes a complete recovery from a fractured left tibia and fibula, but their defense could really use an impactful running mate for the fourth-year defensive end. Ojulari is a pass rusher who should come at a fairly affordable rate. He has played just one full season (an eight-sack rookie campaign in 2021), he has been used primarily in his career as a situational pass rusher and is coming off a toe injury that limited him to 11 games in 2024. Teaming Ojulari with Hutchinson could translate into a boost for Detroit.

Green Bay Packers: Edge Josh Sweat

Sweat made himself some money with his impactful performance for the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. He’s expected to hit the open market, where he’ll draw a good bit of interest. The Packers have needed a difference-making pass rusher, and Sweat seemingly could step in and fill that void.

Houston Texans: WR Stefon Diggs

Diggs’ lone season with the Texans came to an abrupt end with a Week 8 torn ACL. He was putting up solid numbers (47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns), so the Texans would do well to bring him back to help ensure continuity for C.J. Stroud. The Texans have plenty of needs and limited cap space, but Diggs would check a big box.

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Indianapolis Colts: QB Daniel Jones

Jones’ time in New York ended with a late November release, and he spent the rest of 2024 learning from Kevin O’Connell while buried on the Vikings’ depth chart. Given the questions that still loom over Anthony Richardson, the Colts will look to add another quarterback, and Jones makes some sense. He will not break the bank, and after coming in and initially learning behind Richardson, the 2019 first-round pick could wind up earning playing time as an experimental starter should Richardson continue to struggle.

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Jacksonville Jaguars: G Mekhi Becton

The Jaguars have hit the reset button once again, hiring rookie head coach Liam Coen and first-year general manager James Gladstone. Getting the most out of Trevor Lawrence is the key to success, and the Jaguars know they have to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. Becton, who just helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl, would fill a key need.

Kansas City Chiefs: LT Ronnie Stanley

The Eagles made it abundantly clear in Super Bowl LIX the Chiefs need to upgrade Patrick Mahomes’ offensive line. After utilizing a patchwork line in 2024, look for Kansas City to devote resources in free agency and the draft to solidify the unit. Stanley, who has spent his entire career with the Ravens and just made his second Pro Bowl appearance, would give Mahomes a reliable blind-side protector.

L.A. Chargers: C Ryan Kelly

Like last season, general manager Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh are expected to take a conservative approach to spending in free agency. They do, however, need to solidify the heart of their line, and Kelly — a four-time Pro Bowl selection, who has spent his entire career with the Colts — could help them do that.

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L.A. Rams: WR Davante Adams

With the Rams working to trade Cooper Kupp, Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford will need another target to pair with Puka Nacua. Adams is now available after the Jets released him on Tuesday. The six-time Pro Bowl wideout still has plenty left in the tank, and McVay boasts the creativity needed to maximize Adams’ skill set.

Las Vegas Raiders: QB Russell Wilson

After a failed pursuit of Matthew Stafford, the Raiders will turn their attention to another veteran quarterback who can serve as a bridge to their future. Pete Carroll and Wilson spent 10 seasons together in Seattle, so a reunion makes a lot of sense. The Raiders could then decide whether to draft a quarterback or wait for a more robust draft class in 2026 to find Wilson’s successor.

Miami Dolphins: S Talanoa Hufanga

The Dolphins seem likely to lose Jevon Holland to free agency, so that will leave defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver in need of a difference-making safety. Hufanga has battled some injuries, but when healthy is as impactful as they come, having garnered All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2022 (his last healthy season).


Sam Darnold could remain with the Vikings despite their decision not to franchise-tag him. (Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images)

Minnesota Vikings: QB Sam Darnold

The Vikings opted against franchise-tagging Darnold, which subjects them to the risk of losing the quarterback to free agency. But they should still do what it takes to bring him back for another season. Doing so would give them a chance to build on last season’s success rather than risk taking steps backward if J.J. McCarthy isn’t ready after missing all of last season with a torn meniscus.

New England Patriots: DT Milton Williams

The Patriots have plenty of needs as they try to surround second-year quarterback Drake Maye with a quality supporting cast. But look for defensive-minded coach Mike Vrabel to stress fortifying that side of the ball as well by adding impact players to dominate in the trenches. Williams, who just helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl, could rank among the centerpieces of the defense.

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New Orleans Saints: WR Darius Slayton

Derek Carr needs another weapon and the steady Slayton, who has averaged 720 receiving yards and four touchdowns a season, with 15 yards per catch, could fit nicely as a sidekick to Chris Olave while giving new coach Kellen Moore’s offense additional firepower.

New York Giants: QB Aaron Rodgers

It’s hard to say how appealing the Giants would be to Rodgers, because they seemingly have a ways to go before they are ready to contend. But the Giants certainly need a quarterback after ending the Daniel Jones experiment last season and swinging and missing at Matthew Stafford. Could Rodgers be the answer? A young receiver like Malik Nabers does make New York a little more attractive.

New York Jets: QB Carson Wentz

The Jets have Tyrod Taylor still under contract, but look for them to bring in another midlevel veteran for competition given that they seem unlikely to have a shot at drafting a top-flight quarterback. Wentz spent last season behind Patrick Mahomes and while not a franchise savior, he could compete for bridge duty.

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Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Baron Browning

The Eagles have some of the best interior linemen in the game, but with Josh Sweat expected to depart via free agency, they need to add more help off the edge. Howie Roseman could look to both the draft and free agency to meet needs here. Browning is a young player (26) who has a history with Vic Fangio, having played under the Eagles’ defensive coordinator when Fangio was head coach in Denver.

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Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Justin Fields

The Steelers used 2024 as an experimental season at quarterback, adding both Russell Wilson and Fields. Now both will become free agents. The Steelers should bring Fields back. Is he a finished product? Not at all. But he’s only 26, showed promise and will only ascend given another year working with Arthur Smith and in a system designed specifically for his strengths. Could the Steelers give Aaron Rodgers a shot? Sure. Could they try another experimental quarterback like Daniel Jones? Sure. But the upside with Fields is far higher.

San Francisco 49ers: CB D.J. Reed

The 49ers could wind up losing Charvarius Ward to free agency, so John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan may place a high priority on addressing the secondary. Reed makes a lot of sense. He spent the last three seasons with the Jets, playing under Robert Saleh, now the 49ers defensive coordinator, and should be able to make a seamless transition while serving as the lockdown corner San Francisco needs.

Seattle Seahawks: S Jevon Holland

The Seahawks are expected to maintain their usual conservative approach in free agency, but they need a veteran presence on the back end of their defense. Holland would help fill this need, bringing both versatility and aggressive playmaking. After playing under Anthony Weaver in Miami last season, Holland would see some carryover playing in the system of Mike Macdonald, under whom Weaver coached in Baltimore.


Charvarius Ward has discussed the emotional challenges of playing in California. (Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Charvarius Ward

The Buccaneers have a strong defensive front anchored by Vita Vea, but they really could benefit from adding a top-flight cornerback like Ward. He seems likely to depart San Francisco after a trying 2024, which included the death of his 1-year-old daughter, and could potentially benefit from a change of scenery.

Tennessee Titans: QB Marcus Mariota

Let’s face it: Will Levis is not the answer. And because they own the top pick in the draft, the Titans can fill their need for a franchise quarterback. But whether it’s Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, the rookie of choice could take some time to develop. The smart move: Bring back former face of the franchise Marcus Mariota (2015-19) to serve as the bridge or as a valuable veteran mentor (similar to what he did last season with Jayden Daniels) to help a young QB navigate the pro game.

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Washington Commanders: Edge DeMarcus Lawrence

Edge rusher is one of the biggest needs on Washington’s defense and Lawrence can help in a big way. Lawrence, who played under Dan Quinn in Dallas from 2021 to 2023 and reached the Pro Bowl in back-to-back seasons, has averaged 7.4 sacks per season during his 11-year career. He’s coming off a season limited by a foot injury to four games, but now healthy again, Lawrence would make his presence felt in D.C.

(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos of D.J. Reed, Josh Sweat and Russell Wilson: Nick Cammett / Diamond Images, Cooper Neill, Todd Rosenberg / Getty Images)

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Spurs blow out Thunder, force Game 7 as Victor Wembanyama leads the way with 28-point double-double

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Spurs blow out Thunder, force Game 7 as Victor Wembanyama leads the way with 28-point double-double

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The Western Conference Finals will come down to a Game 7 after the San Antonio Spurs routed the Oklahoma City Thunder, 118-91, in Game 6 on Thursday night.

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Game 7 heads back to Oklahoma City, where the winner will face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals after New York swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

With their backs against the wall, the Spurs did what was necessary on their home court and then some. And it was their phenom, Victor Wembanyama, leading the way.

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Six of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on May 28, 2026. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The 7-foot-4 big man led the Spurs with 28 points on 10-of-21 shooting, including four three-pointers made, while notching a double-double with 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks.

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This was the performance head coach Mitch Johnson and the rest of the team needed from Wembanyama, and he was up for the challenge as the Thunder were looking to make it back-to-back NBA Finals appearances.

Instead, the Thunder’s three-point shooting woes returned in San Antonio, much like they did in Game 4 of this series. They took a whopping 40 threes, but only cashed in 10 of them, finishing 25% from beyond the arc on the night.

SPURS SNAP THUNDER’S PLAYOFF WIN STREAK BEHIND VICTORY WEMBANYAMA’S INCREDIBLE GAME 1 PERFORMANCE

As a team, the Thunder shot just 37%, and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is among the culprits for the poor shooting night. He had just 15 points, going 6-of-18 from the field and 0-of-5 from three-point land. Lu Dort was also ice cold from three, going just 1-of-9 and 2-of-11 for the game.

Meanwhile, San Antonio was getting more than just “Wemby” contributions, especially from rookie Dylan Harper, who played a vital role in the blowout off the bench.

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Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on May 28, 2026. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Harper was quite efficient when he had the ball in his hands, going 6-of-9 from the field for 18 points, while tallying six rebounds and four assists in his pivotal 22 minutes off the pine.

And in the starting five, Stephon Castle was getting to the rim like he’s supposed to, scoring 17 points while dishing out nine assists for the Spurs. Devin Vassell also hit four of his seven three-point shots for 12 points, while Julian Champagnie poured in 10 more with six rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks on the other end of the hardwood.

The Spurs saw 12 different players contribute on the scoreboard in this contest, some of whom made their way into the game when the Thunder conceded and already started to focus on Game 7. And that swing came in the third quarter, when the Spurs outscored the Thunder, 32-13, and started to run away with this must-win game for their franchise.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half of Game 6 in the Western Conference finals NBA playoffs in San Antonio on May 28, 2026. (David J. Phillip/AP)

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Now, folks, it all comes down to the ever-suspenseful Game 7, where the Thunder will hope one last home game will give them the juice to push their way into the Finals.

But the Spurs are hoping to recreate 1999 by earning a matchup with the Knicks in the NBA Finals.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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High school softball: Playoff scores and schedule

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High school softball: Playoff scores and schedule

SOUTHERN SECTION FINALS

At Bill Barber Park, Irvine

Thursday’s Results

DIVISION 7

Edgewood 4, Ramona Convent 1

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DIVISION 6

Irvine 15, Arroyo 2

Friday’s Schedule

DIVISION 1

La Mirada vs. JSerra, 7 p.m.

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DIVISION 2

Whittier Christian vs. Mater Dei, 4 p.m.

Saturday’s Schedule

DIVISION 3

Riverside Prep vs. Great Oak, 7 p.m.

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DIVISION 4

Mission Viejo at Oxnard, 4 p.m.

DIVISION 5

Grace vs. Northwood, 10 a.m.

DIVISION 8

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Arroyo Valley vs. San Bernardino, 1 p.m.

CITY SECTION FINALS

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE

At Legacy

OPEN DIVISION

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#1 Granada Hills vs. #2 Carson, 6:30 p.m.

DIVISION III

#5 South East vs. #15 Reseda, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE

At Birmingham

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DIVISION I

#1 Venice vs. #6 Eagle Rock, 2 p.m.

DIVISION II

#1 L.A. Marshall vs. #6 Arleta, 11 a.m.

DIVISION IV

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#4 Huntington Park vs. #14 Franklin, 11:30 a.m.

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Massimiliano Allegri Signs Two-Year Napoli Contract To Replace Antonio Conte

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Massimiliano Allegri Signs Two-Year Napoli Contract To Replace Antonio Conte

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Massimiliano Allegri is set for an immediate return to the dugout after reaching a full verbal agreement to become the next head coach of Napoli. 

The former AC Milan boss, who was sacked by the club this week, has committed to a two-year contract as Antonio Conte’s replacement at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

De Laurentiis Picks Allegri For The Post-Conte Era

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has moved decisively to secure a successor for Conte, after the Italian left the club by mutual consent at the conclusion of the season, settling on the experienced Allegri. 

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, negotiations between the two parties accelerated significantly over the last 24 hours, resulting in a full verbal agreement for Allegri to take the reins in Naples on a two-year deal.

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The Tuscan tactician emerged as the top choice following a selection process that saw him beat out competition from other candidates, including outgoing Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano. 

With the verbal agreement now in place, the Partenopei are ready to pivot into a new chapter under one of the most successful managers in modern Serie A history.

Legal Teams Begin Work On Contractual Formalities

The transition from a verbal handshake to a formal appointment is already underway behind the scenes. Reports indicate that Napoli’s legal and administrative teams have already begun preparing the paperwork needed to formalize the deal for Allegri. 

Both lawyers and transfer officials are working through the final contractual details before the documents can be presented for definitive signatures.

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While the terms of the two-year contract are understood to be settled, the club is meticulous in ensuring all administrative hurdles are cleared. 

This move signals De Laurentiis’ desire to provide stability and elite leadership to a squad that remains ambitious both domestically and on the European stage.

Resolving The Final Hurdle With Milan

Despite the advanced state of negotiations with Napoli, one final obstacle remains before Allegri can be officially unveiled as the new Partenopei boss. 

Allegri must first resolve his current contractual situation with Milan after being sacked by the club. Navigating the exit from his previous employment is a standard but necessary step before he can legally commit his future to the reigning Southern giants.

A Proven Winner Tasked With Scudetto Ambitions

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The appointment represents a significant statement of intent from Napoli, as they bring in a coach with an glittering resume. 

Allegri has already won league titles with both Milan and Juventus, and his experience in managing the pressure of elite Italian clubs was a deciding factor for the Napoli hierarchy. 

Despite a dismal homecoming season at Milan in 2025-26, Napoli believe his track record and tactical acumen make him the ideal candidate. 

If finalized as expected, Allegri will inherit a squad preparing for another Champions League campaign while also attempting to mount a challenge for the Scudetto next season.

2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).

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The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as well as the USA’s opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).

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