How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 on Airlines and Cruise Ships: Sport 24 Guide
Traveling during the FIFA World Cup 2026? You can watch every match live even at 35,000 feet or on the open ocean. Sport 24 brings all 104 games to airlines and cruise ships from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
This guide shows you exactly how to access live World Cup coverage while you travel.
What is Sport 24? Watch World Cup at Sea and Sky
Sport 24 is the only live sports channel made just for airlines and cruise ships. IMG owns and operates this service from London. The channel broadcasts 5,800 hours of live sports each year.
Sport 24 will show all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live. You get both Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra channels. The service has broadcast the last three World Cups with great success.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, over 1.4 million passengers watched 172 hours of live coverage. Fans celebrated goals together in plane cabins and on cruise ship pool decks. Every match includes English commentary.
Which Airlines Will Show FIFA World Cup 2026 Live?
Sport 24 works on 610 aircraft around the world. Major airlines include Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Cathay Pacific. You can also watch on American Airlines and JetBlue on select flights.
Emirates shows Sport 24 on all Boeing 777s and select Airbus A380s. The service is free on most airlines as part of your seat entertainment system. Qatar Airways offers special HD streaming on their Starlink-connected planes.
You can check if your flight has Sport 24 by visiting your airline website 24 hours before departure. Look under “Inflight Amenities” or “Entertainment” sections. The airline will show a “Live TV” or “Sport 24” icon if available.
Which Cruise Ships Broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026?
Sport 24 reaches 119 cruise ships worldwide. Partner cruise lines include Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises.
You can watch matches in several places on your ship. Pool decks have giant LED screens perfect for sunny afternoon games. Sports bars like Playmakers on Royal Caribbean feature 30+ TV screens with a bar atmosphere. Your cabin TV also shows Sport 24 at no extra cost.
Ships often host special viewing parties for big matches. The crew decorates venues with World Cup themes and serves special food and drinks. You can watch with fans from around the world.
How Much Does It Cost to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026?
Most airlines include Sport 24 free with your ticket. Emirates, Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines all offer free access through their entertainment systems. Some airlines may charge $5 to $15 for full entertainment access during your flight.
Qatar Airways gives you free HD streaming on Starlink-equipped flights. You stream directly to your phone or tablet at no extra cost.
Cruise ships almost always provide free access. Pool deck screens are free for all passengers. Sports bars let you watch for free but you pay for food and drinks. Your cabin TV includes Sport 24 in your cruise fare.
The bottom line is simple. Most travelers watch World Cup matches completely free on both airlines and cruise ships.
How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 on Airlines
Using Seatback Screens
Your personal screen turns on 10 to 15 minutes after takeoff. Tap or press “Live TV” or “Sports” on the main menu. Select Sport 24 from the channel list. The live match starts playing right away.
You control volume and settings with the touchscreen or remote. The airline provides headphones but you can use your own. You cannot pause or rewind because the broadcast is live.
Streaming to Your Device
Qatar Airways passengers on Starlink flights can stream to personal devices. Connect to the onboard WiFi network. Scan the QR code shown on your seatback screen. The Sport 24 web player opens on your phone or tablet automatically.
Other airlines may offer similar streaming. Download your airline app before the flight. Connect to the plane WiFi once airborne. Open the app and look for entertainment options.
Airport Lounges
Emirates lounges show all World Cup matches on large screens. First Class and Business Class passengers get free lounge access. Skywards Platinum and Gold members can also enter. You can catch pre-match coverage before boarding.
How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 on Cruise Ships
Finding Sport 24 on Your Ship
Check your daily program on the first day. The program lists match times and viewing locations. Your ship may adjust times based on your time zone. Ask Guest Services for specific World Cup viewing details.
Pool Deck Viewing
Giant LED screens show matches poolside during the day. These screens are often 100 inches or larger. Arrive 30 minutes early for popular matches to get a good deck chair. Bring sunscreen and your room key for drink purchases.
Cabin Television
Turn on your stateroom TV and find the channel guide. Sport 24 appears in the sports or live TV section. You can watch privately from your bed. This works great for early morning or late night matches.
Sports Bars
Royal Caribbean has Playmakers Sports Bar with over 30 screens. Norwegian features O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill with 24-hour sports viewing. MSC operates dedicated sports bars on many ships. These venues serve food and drinks while you watch.
Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
Book flights that overlap with important matches. Check the match schedule on fifa.com before you buy tickets. Choose Sport 24 partner airlines and cruise lines. Verify entertainment availability when you book.
Arrive early to popular viewing spots. Pool decks and sports bars fill up fast before big games. Bring team jerseys to show your support. Pack a power bank to keep devices charged during long flights.
Check the daily program on cruise ships each evening. Ships may host special viewing parties with themed activities. The crew announces match times over the ship speakers.
Download airline apps before you leave home. Test your connection as soon as the entertainment system turns on. Ask flight attendants for help if you have trouble finding Sport 24.
FAQs about FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sport 24
Does every flight and cruise have Sport 24?
No. Only partner airlines and cruise lines carry Sport 24. Check with your specific carrier before booking. Visit sport24live.com for the complete partner list.
Can I watch on my phone during a flight?
Yes on some airlines. Qatar Airways offers HD streaming on Starlink flights. Most other airlines require you to use the seatback screen.
What happens during turbulence?
Your seatback entertainment keeps working during turbulence. The flight crew may ask you to stay seated but you can keep watching.
Are matches shown in HD quality?
Modern aircraft show HD quality on newer screens. Cruise ship pool decks display HD on large LED screens. Cabin TVs usually show standard definition.
Do cruise ships show replays?
Yes. Sport 24 Extra shows match replays and highlights. Check your ship channel guide for replay times.
Sport 24 makes it easy to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 while you travel. You get all 104 matches live on hundreds of flights and cruise ships.
Most access is completely free. Plan your trips around key matches and never miss a moment of the action.
