Watching soccer in the United States can be an expensive hobby. To get every match from the Premier League, Champions League and MLS, you could easily spend over $100 a month. But you don't always have to pay.
Whether you are looking to a catch specific big game like the World Cup final or El Clasico, or if you simply want 24/7 soccer content without a subscription fee, there are legitimate ways to watch for free.
⏳ Strategy 1: The "Free Trial" Loophole
Most premium streaming services offer free trials, and if you time them correctly, you can watch weeks of live action without spending a dime. This strategy is best used for specific high-stakes tournaments or a packed weekend of fixtures.
If you want a complete cable experience, YouTube TVis your best target. Trials vary in length, often ranging from 5 to 21 days. Because it carries NBC, USA, FOX, FS1, and ESPN, a single trial could theoretically get you through the entire group stage of the 2026 World Cup for free. DirecTV Streamis another strong option offering a standard 5-day trial that covers every major network.
Fuboalso offers a 5-day trial, which is excellent for volume given its multiview capabilities. However, keep in mind Fubo currently lacks NBC and USA Network. Use this trial for international soccer (generally on FOX or ESPN) but look elsewhere for the Premier League.
For MLS fans, the landscape has shifted in your favor. With MLS now included in the standard Apple TV+subscription, you can utilize the platform's standard 7-day free trial to access the entire league. This is the perfect loophole to watch a crucial playoff round for free.
Similarly, Paramount+remains the go-to for European nights. By signing up for their 7-day trial on a Tuesday morning, you can catch a full double-header of UEFA Champions League action of Tuesday and Wednesday, plus weekend Serie A or NWSL fixtures, before cancelling your subscription.
📺 Strategy 2: "Always Free" apps
If you have a Smart TV, Roku, or Fire Stick, "Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV" (FAST) apps are an excellent resource for highlights, replays, and 24/7 studio shows. You can download these immediately without needing a credit card.
Pluto TV is arguably the most valuable app in this category. Owned by Paramount, it hosts the dedicated CBS Sports Golazo Network. This channel provides top-tier daily coverage via Morning Footy, live tactical analysis during Champions League games, and even occasional live matches from leagues like the USL or Serie A.
For replays and documentaries, Tubi and The Roku Channel are essential downloads. Tubi frequently hosts content from FOX Sports, including full match replays of past World Cups and dedicated channels for tournament classics. The Roku Channel features the FIFA+ channel which is a treasure trove of original documentaries and live streams of smaller international tournaments.
📡 Strategy 3: The Antenna Method (Over-the-Air)
Old-school technology is still one of the most reliable ways to watch soccer for free, particularly for Spanish speakers and World Cup fans. By purchasing a cheap digital antenna (a one-time cost of roughly $20), you can pick up local broadcast signals over the air.
This method grants you access to Telemundo and Univision, which broadcast a massive amount of soccer including Liga MX, select Premier League matches, and the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, you can pull in FOX and ABC to watch the World Cup Final or select MLS games without any internet connection or subscription service.
