FuboTV offers all World Cup matches with a five-day free trial for new members, costing $9.99 after the trial if you only need coverage through the finals. However, does it really matter if you miss a match because you didn’t sign up in time? And what about those who already subscribed to FuboTV last year—do they get a fresh start or are they stuck with the same old plan?

Peacock Premium Plus provides seven days free when signed up via Amazon, but is $15.99 monthly thereafter. Yet, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, does it make sense to pay extra for Peacock, especially since many matches overlap with your typical streaming schedule? Plus, can you really rely on Peacock’s interface during a high-stakes penalty shootout?

YouTube TV’s 10-day Sports plan trial includes Fox and other networks at $64.99 monthly post-trial—slightly discounted from $74.99. But is it worth the premium for World Cup coverage when you could get similar channels through other bundles, or even just use a basic cable package? And what if your favorite match airs on a network not covered by YouTube TV’s trial?

Fox One offers three days free with new sign-ups at $19.99 monthly thereafter. But does three days give enough time to catch the opening ceremony and key matches, or will you be scrambling for additional streaming options mid-tournament? And how does Fox One stack up against rivals like Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV for World Cup coverage?

In summary, while free trials provide a gateway to World Cup bliss, they also risk leaving fans high and dry if timing or channel alignment falters. So next year, will you be ready with a backup plan—or will you be left cheering from the sidelines, wondering what went wrong?