You've been there. It’s game day, you have the snacks ready, and you're frantically scrolling through the guide because the "usual" channel isn't showing the Red Sea. Honestly, figuring out what channel is the Arizona Cardinals game on feels like a part-time job some weeks, especially with the NFL's current obsession with scattering games across five different streaming apps and three broadcast networks.
The 2025-2026 season was a rough ride for the Bird Gang. If you were looking for a game today, January 13, 2026, I have some bad news: the Cardinals' season is officially over. They finished with a 3-14 record, ending on a brutal nine-game losing streak that culminated in a 37-20 loss to the Rams on January 4. Because they finished last in the NFC West, there are no playoff games to tune into this month.
But, if you're a die-hard fan, you’re already looking toward the 2026 season and the draft. Knowing where to find them next year is key, especially since the team just fired Jonathan Gannon and is heading into a massive rebuild with the number three overall pick.
The 2026 Broadcast Landscape: Where the Cardinals Land
When the 2026 season kicks off in September, the "where to watch" question gets complicated again. Basically, most Sunday afternoon games stay on FOX or CBS. Since the Cardinals are an NFC team, FOX is your primary home.
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You’ve probably noticed that the NFL loves moving the goalposts on us. One week it’s a standard afternoon kickoff, and the next, you’re forced to figure out if you still have that login for a streaming service you haven't used in months. For 2026, the home and away opponents are already set, even if the specific times and channels won't be finalized until May.
- FOX: This is where you’ll find about 80% of Cardinals games. If they are playing another NFC team—like the Seahawks, 49ers, or the upcoming home game against the Philadelphia Eagles—FOX is the default.
- CBS: You’ll see the Cards here when they host or travel to an AFC team, like the 2026 matchups against the Denver Broncos or the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Prime Video: Thursday Night Football is still locked behind the Amazon wall. If the Cardinals get a Thursday slot, you aren't finding it on cable unless you live in the Phoenix market, where local stations are legally required to simulcast it.
- ESPN/ABC: Monday Night Football remains the flagship, though after a 3-14 season, don't expect the schedule-makers to give Arizona many primetime slots in 2026.
- NBC/Peacock: Sunday Night Football is the crown jewel. Again, until the team proves they can win more than three games, these appearances might be rare.
Streaming vs. Cable: How to Catch Every Snap
If you’ve cut the cord, you’re not alone. Most of us have. But that makes finding what channel is the Arizona Cardinals game on a bit of a puzzle.
For local fans in the Phoenix area, NFL+ is a decent fallback for mobile viewing, but it won't let you put the game on your big-screen TV for local broadcasts. For that, you’re looking at YouTube TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV. They all carry FOX, CBS, and NBC.
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Out-of-market fans are in a tougher spot. NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV is still the only way to guarantee you see every single out-of-market game. It’s pricey, but if you live in, say, New York and want to watch the Cardinals take on the Chargers in 2026, it’s basically your only legal option.
Radio is still a thing, too. And honestly, sometimes Dave Pasch and Ron Wolfley are more entertaining than the TV broadcast anyway. You can find the English call on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM and the Spanish broadcast on Fuego 106.7 FM.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
We already know who the Cardinals are playing in 2026; we just don't know the dates. The 17-game slate includes some heavy hitters that will likely be "Game of the Week" material on FOX.
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The home schedule at State Farm Stadium includes the usual NFC West rivals (Rams, 49ers, Seahawks) plus the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Detroit Lions.
On the road, things look daunting. They have to travel to Dallas, the Giants, Kansas City, and both Los Angeles teams (the Rams and the Chargers). They also have a trip to New Orleans on the books.
When you’re trying to find what channel is the Arizona Cardinals game on for these specific matchups, keep an eye on the "cross-flex" rules. The NFL now has the power to move games between FOX and CBS to ensure the best matchups reach the widest audiences. This means even an all-NFC game could occasionally end up on CBS.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since the Cardinals are currently in the "wait until next year" phase, here is how you can prepare for the 2026 season kick-off:
- Mark your calendar for May 2026: This is when the NFL officially drops the full schedule with exact dates, times, and television networks.
- Check your regional sports fees: If you're still on cable, ensure your package includes the local FOX and CBS affiliates.
- Audit your streaming services: Before the preseason starts in August, see if you actually need that NFL+ subscription or if a broader live TV streamer covers your bases better.
- Follow local insiders: Keep tabs on Darren Urban or the official Cardinals social media accounts. They usually post "How to Watch" graphics 48 hours before kickoff that clarify any weird regional blackouts or channel shifts.
The quest to find the game shouldn't be harder than the game itself. By the time the 2026 season rolls around, having a go-to list of channels—FOX, CBS, and the occasional Amazon or ESPN appearance—will save you that pre-kickoff panic.