For U.S. soccer fans, the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup just got a lot clearer — and a lot more accessible. CBS Sports has locked down exclusive English-language broadcast rights in the United States for all CONCACAF Men’s World Cup Qualifiers leading to the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Starting September 4, 2024, every single qualifier will stream live on Paramount+, with select matches also airing on CBS Sports Network and the newly elevated CBS Sports Golazo Network.
First Matches, First Impressions
The opening window kicks off with a bang. On September 4, Suriname takes on Panama at 5:30 PM ET, followed by the Golazo Matchday doubleheader at 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM ET featuring Guatemala vs. El Salvador. The next day, Bermuda visits Jamaica at 6:00 PM ET — a crucial matchup for Caribbean rivals — while Haiti faces Honduras at 8:00 PM ET, and Nicaragua battles Costa Rica at 10:00 PM ET. All of these air exclusively on Paramount+, though the Haiti-Honduras game also appears on Golazo Network. By Monday, September 8, the action intensifies: El Salvador vs. Suriname and Panama vs. Guatemala both go live on Paramount+ and Golazo Network. Tuesday’s slate wraps the first window with Jamaica vs. Trinidad & Tobago — a game that could define early group standings — streaming on Paramount+ and Golazo Network.What’s notable isn’t just the volume, but the consistency. Unlike past cycles where matches bounced between ESPN, Fox, and Univision, this time there’s one clear destination. No more hunting for the right channel. No more confusing regional blackouts. If you’re in the U.S. and want to watch CONCACAF qualifiers, you go to Paramount+.
Why Paramount+ Is the New Soccer Hub
Paramount+ isn’t just a broadcaster — it’s become a soccer ecosystem. The platform now streams more than 1,400 live matches annually, including Serie A, NWSL, Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileirão, Argentina’s Liga Profesional, and UEFA club competitions. But for American fans, the real draw is the depth of CONCACAF coverage. Beyond the men’s qualifiers, Paramount+ also carries the CONCACAF W Gold Cup qualifiers, which began in September 2024, featuring teams like Costa Rica, Panama, Canada, and Haiti. That means fans can follow both men’s and women’s national teams through the same app — a rare convenience in U.S. sports media.The platform’s device reach is equally impressive. Whether you’re on an Apple TV, Roku, Samsung smart TV, PlayStation, or your phone, the matches are there. And if you miss a kickoff? On-demand replays are available. No cable subscription needed. No regional restrictions. Just a $5.99/month subscription and a Wi-Fi connection.
What’s at Stake: The Road to 2026
The CONCACAF Men’s World Cup Qualifiers are brutal. Sixteen teams fight for just three automatic spots — and one playoff berth — in a tournament that includes powerhouses like the U.S. and Mexico, but also surprises like Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Honduras. The format, which begins with a group stage and evolves into a final round of six teams playing home-and-away, ensures every match matters. A single loss can derail a nation’s dream. And with the 2026 World Cup being the first 48-team tournament, the stakes are higher than ever.The schedule runs through March 2026, with key dates already locked in. November 13, 2025, brings Bermuda vs. Curaçao. Then, on November 19, 2025, Trinidad & Tobago faces Bermuda at 1:00 AM ET — a late-night thriller for hardcore fans — while Panama plays El Salvador on the same day. These aren’t just games; they’re turning points. And for the first time, every one of them will be available in English, live, without a paywall.
Why This Matters Beyond the Pitch
This deal reflects a quiet revolution in how American audiences consume soccer. In 2018, fans had to juggle multiple services — ESPN+ for some matches, Fox Sports for others, and sometimes nothing at all. Now, Paramount+ has consolidated the most important regional competition into one place. It’s a win for casual viewers who want simplicity and hardcore fans who crave depth. It’s also a win for CONCACAF nations. With consistent exposure on a major U.S. platform, teams like Jamaica, Honduras, and El Salvador gain visibility they’ve long struggled to secure.There’s a cultural shift here too. Soccer isn’t just an immigrant sport anymore. It’s becoming mainstream. And CBS Sports, by betting big on Paramount+, is betting that American soccer fandom isn’t just growing — it’s ready to pay for it.
What’s Next
The next window begins in March 2025, with more high-stakes matchups expected. The U.S. men’s team, though not yet in the final round, will be watching closely — their rivals are fighting for spots that could impact future rivalries. Meanwhile, CBS Sports plans to expand its Golazo Network coverage, potentially adding more live studio analysis and behind-the-scenes content. If the ratings hold, expect even more CONCACAF content in 2026 — and possibly a push for exclusive rights to the World Cup itself.Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers in the U.S.?
All U.S. English-language matches are streamed exclusively on Paramount+. Select games also air on CBS Sports Network and the CBS Sports Golazo Network. No cable subscription is required — just a Paramount+ account. Matches are available on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, and gaming consoles.
Why is Paramount+ the only option for these matches?
CBS Sports secured exclusive U.S. English-language rights through a multi-year deal with CONCACAF, ending the era of fragmented coverage. This consolidation gives fans one reliable source and gives CONCACAF teams consistent exposure. Other platforms like ESPN+ or Fox Sports don’t carry these qualifiers — only Paramount+ does.
Are the women’s qualifiers also on Paramount+?
Yes. The CONCACAF W Gold Cup qualifiers, including matches like Canada vs. Costa Rica and Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, are also streamed live on Paramount+ starting September 2024. This makes it the only platform in the U.S. offering both men’s and women’s CONCACAF national team action under one subscription.
How many teams qualify for the 2026 World Cup from CONCACAF?
CONCACAF has six total spots: three automatic qualifiers and three via playoffs. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico are guaranteed automatic spots as co-hosts, so the remaining three automatic spots — plus the playoff berth — will be contested by 16 other teams. That means every match from September 2024 to March 2026 carries serious weight.
Do I need a subscription to watch these matches?
Yes. Paramount+ requires a subscription — either the Essential plan ($5.99/month) or the Premium plan ($11.99/month). There are no free broadcasts on broadcast TV or YouTube. However, Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial for new users, which is a good way to catch the early qualifiers without commitment.
What if I miss a live match?
All matches are available on-demand shortly after they end. You can watch replays anytime on the Paramount+ app or website, including highlights, full match replays, and condensed versions. This flexibility makes it easy to catch up if you’re busy or in a different time zone.
