Sports

How the U.S. World Cup Loss Hurts Fox Sports

The network paid $400 million to broadcast the first World Cup without the U.S. team in 22 years.

Fox paid $400 million for access to World Cup but the men's team did not qualify.

COUVA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - OCTOBER 10: Michael Bradley (L) and Christian Pulisic (R) of the United States mens national team react to their loss against Trinidad and Tobago during the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Trinidad and Tobago at the Ato Boldon Stadium on October 10, 2017 in Couva, Trinidad And Tobago. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

By Rebecca Gibian

For the first time since 1986, the United States men’s team failed to qualify for the World Cup. They lost Tuesday night in a 2-1 defeat against Trinidad and Tobago. To continue, Panama and Honduras would have both had to lose, but Panama beat Costa Rica, while Honduras beat Mexico.

Some might be taking this loss harder than others. According to The Independent, Fox paid $400 million for the rights to broadcast the 2018 World Cup, but now, the USA won’t be a part of it.

Fox’s deal does stretch until 2022 World Cup in Qatar, so there is still a chance they will broadcast the U.S. playing, The Independent reports.

Rival broadcasters could not get the 2026 rights, so Fox will still make some money, though it would not be nearly as much as if the men’s team was playing, The Independent writes.

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