Delta Brings FIFA World Cup 2026 to the Sky With FOX One
Share
Delta Air Lines announced an expansion of its connected entertainment strategy through a new partnership with FOX that will bring the FOX One streaming platform onboard using Delta Sync Wi-Fi. The partnership gives Delta SkyMiles members complimentary access to live sports, news, entertainment, and other content while traveling on domestic flights.
Delta Brings FIFA World Cup Action to 35,000 Feet
Starting this month, SkyMiles members who log into Delta Sync Wi-Fi on domestic flights will receive 24-hour complimentary access to FOX One on their personal devices without needing a credit card. The platform brings more than 5,000 hours of annual programming onboard, including live sports, news, weather updates, and entertainment content.
For Delta, the timing aligns closely with one of the world’s biggest upcoming sporting events. From the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 11 through the final on July 19, passengers will be able to follow the tournament live while flying.
Travelers on aircraft with seatback Live TV can also create a second-screen experience, watching live FOX programming on the seatback screen while using their phone or tablet for different camera views, instant replays, or live stats.
And Delta said passengers need not worry about boarding during the middle of a game, as FOX One’s on-demand features mean passengers can restart live programming from the beginning and catch important moments they may have missed.
“Live sports is one of the highest engagement categories for our customers in flight,” said Delta Air Lines Vice President of In-flight Entertainment and Connectivity Julieta McCurry. “It’s communal, and part of how they stay connected to moments that matter. Partnering with FOX One lets us bring more of those moments on board in a meaningful way.”
According to Delta Air Lines, passenger viewing trends already support that approach. Over the past year, the airline said its 30 highest Live TV viewership days onboard all aligned with major sporting events and high-profile competitions.
For airlines, live sports are becoming one of the biggest drivers of passenger engagement within in-flight entertainment (IFE). Unlike movies or TV shows that can be watched anytime, sports create demand for real-time viewing, with passengers wanting to follow events live as they happen.
“We strive to bring the best-in-class FOX programming to viewers when they want it and where they want it, including thousands of feet in the air,” said FOX SVP Strategy and Business Development, Direct to Consumer, Tony Billetter. “What better way to kick off our partnership with Delta than by bringing this year’s most anticipated sporting event along with FOX’s leading news coverage and premium entertainment to their loyal travelers.”
Delta Sync Continues Expanding Beyond Traditional IFE
The FOX One partnership also reflects Delta’s broader goal of turning Delta Sync into a larger digital experience rather than just a connectivity platform.
Delta Sync currently powers Wi-Fi across more than 1,200 aircraft and functions as a gateway to curated content, entertainment partnerships, and personalized experiences for SkyMiles members.
The addition of FOX One joins a growing network of digital partners already integrated into the platform, including The New York Times, Crunchyroll, YouTube, and Paramount+.
Delta has also continued expanding its sports content beyond traditional TV viewing. Passengers can already stream UFC content through Paramount+, access exclusive Masters coverage, watch Thursday Night Football on aircraft equipped with live satellite TV, and follow sports coverage from The Athletic.
The airline also plans to expand the FIFA experience beyond the flight itself. Starting May 19, SkyMiles members can use miles through SkyMiles Experiences to bid on behind-the-scenes opportunities connected to tournament coverage, including visits to FOX Sports facilities and chances to meet broadcast personalities. SkyMiles members will also be able to redeem miles for six-month FOX One subscriptions beginning at 15,000 miles.