FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Channels & Broadcasting Rights (Worldwide)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup becomes the largest football tournament the world has ever seen. Forty eight teams will compete across 104 matches in three different countries from June 11 to July 19 in 2026.
The United States hosts most matches across 11 cities. Canada welcomes fans to 2 host cities. Mexico opens its doors with 3 venues including the famous Estadio Azteca. The opening match kicks off in Mexico City on June 11. The final happens at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Fans across every continent want to know one simple thing. Where can I watch the matches in my country? This complete guide gives you all broadcasting information you need.
2026 FIFA World Cup Broadcasters by Country
| Country/Region | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ATN |
| Albania | TV Klan |
| Argentina | Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports |
| Australia | SBS |
| Austria | ORF, ServusTV |
| Azerbaijan | İctimai TV |
| Belgium | VRT, RTBF |
| Bolivia | Red Uno, Unitel |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Arena Sport |
| Brazil | Grupo Globo, CazéTV, SBT, N Sports |
| Bulgaria | BNT |
| Cambodia | Hang Meas |
| Canada | Bell Media (CTV, TSN, RDS) |
| Chile | Chilevisión |
| China | CMG |
| Colombia | Caracol, Canal RCN, Win Sports |
| Costa Rica | Teletica |
| Croatia | HRT |
| Czech Republic | Czech Television |
| Denmark | DR, TV 2 |
| Ecuador | Teleamazonas |
| El Salvador | TCS, Tigo Sports |
| Fiji | Fijian Broadcasting Corporation |
| Finland | Yle, MTV3 |
| France | M6 |
| Georgia | GPB |
| Germany | ARD, MagentaTV, ZDF |
| Greece | ERT |
| Guatemala | Chapín TV, Tigo Sports |
| Honduras | Televicentro |
| Hungary | MTVA |
| Iceland | RUV |
| Indonesia | TVRI |
| Iran | IRIB TV3, Persiana Sports |
| Israel | KAN |
| Italy | RAI, Mediaset |
| Japan | DAZN, NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV |
| Kazakhstan | Qazaqstan TV, Qazsport |
| Kyrgyzstan | KTRK |
| South Korea | JTBC, NAVER Sports |
| Liechtenstein | SRG SSR |
| Macau | TDM Sport |
| Malta | TV Malta |
| MENA Region | beIN Sports |
| Mexico | TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca |
| Montenegro | Arena Sport, RTCG |
| Nepal | Prime TV |
| Netherlands | NOS |
| New Zealand | TVNZ |
| Nicaragua | Televideo |
| Niger | ORTN |
| North Macedonia | Arena Sport |
| Norway | NRK, TV 2 |
| Panama | RPC, TVN, Tigo Sports |
| Paraguay | TyC Sports, Trece, Unicanal, GEN TV, Popu TV |
| Peru | América Televisión |
| Poland | TVP |
| Portugal | Sport TV, LiveModeTV |
| Romania | Antena |
| Russia | Match TV |
| Serbia | Arena Sport |
| Slovakia | STVR, TV JOJ |
| Slovenia | Arena Sport |
| South Africa | SABC |
| Spain | Mediapro, RTVE |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | SuperSport, New World TV |
| Sweden | SVT, TV4 |
| Switzerland | SRG SSR |
| Taiwan | ELTA Sports |
| Tajikistan | Varzish TV, TV Football |
| Turkey | TRT |
| Turkmenistan | Turkmenistan Sport |
| United Kingdom | BBC, ITV |
| United States | FOX Sports, Telemundo |
| Uruguay | Canal 5, Antel TV |
| Uzbekistan | Zo’r TV |
| Venezuela | Televen |
| In-Flight/Cruise Ships | Sport 24 |
Note: India and neighboring countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) are waiting for official broadcaster announcement. FIFA’s tender process closed September 2025.
Understanding World Cup Broadcasting
FIFA began selling broadcast rights back in 2015. The organization made early deals with networks in North America and other regions. These agreements locked in coverage years before the tournament starts.
Broadcasting rules differ from country to country. Many governments require major sporting events to air on free television. Public broadcasters must show important matches at no cost to viewers. This protects the right of all citizens to watch their national teams compete.
FIFA expects nearly $3.92 billion from broadcasting deals for this tournament cycle. The money funds the tournament’s $896 million prize pool and helps develop football programs around the world. Broadcasting revenue keeps the sport growing in smaller nations across 190+ territories.
North American Coverage
United States Broadcasting
English Language Coverage
FOX Sports holds exclusive English language broadcast rights for all 104 matches. The network makes history with the most World Cup coverage ever on broadcast television.
FOX broadcast network airs 69 matches live. This represents a record for any World Cup on American broadcast TV. The number more than doubles the 34 matches shown in 2022. FOX dedicates approximately two thirds of all tournament matches to its main broadcast channel.
FS1 cable channel shows the remaining 35 matches. Twelve of these FS1 matches air simultaneously with FOX broadcasts during the final group stage games. The other 23 matches give FS1 exclusive broadcast windows.
Streaming Options
FOX One provides the newest streaming platform for all matches. This direct to consumer service costs $19.99 monthly. FOX One streams every single match with no cable subscription required.
The FOX Sports App gives cable subscribers free streaming access. Download the app on phones, tablets or smart TVs. Sign in with your TV provider credentials to watch all coverage.
Select matches stream free on Tubi. FOX’s ad supported platform offers zero cost viewing for specific tournament games.
FOX Sports delivers over 340 hours of first run programming. This represents a 100 hour increase compared to 2022 World Cup coverage. More matches air in primetime on FOX than any previous World Cup in American broadcast history.
Spanish Language Coverage
Telemundo and NBCUniversal bring the most extensive Spanish language World Cup coverage in United States broadcast history.
Telemundo broadcasts 92 matches on its main network. This marks the most men’s World Cup matches ever shown on any single U.S. broadcast network regardless of language. Universo airs 12 additional matches on the cable channel.
Peacock streams all 104 matches live with Spanish commentary for $7.99 monthly. The Telemundo App provides free streaming for cable subscribers.
Telemundo Deportes Ahora launches in August 2025 as a 24/7 free ad supported streaming channel. The FAST channel delivers over 50 hours of live Spanish language sports content weekly.
Telemundo maintains an on site presence at every match across all 16 host cities. Studios operate in Mexico City, Miami and New York throughout the tournament. The network already sold 90% of all advertising inventory.
Canadian Broadcasting
Bell Media owns exclusive Canadian rights through CTV, TSN and RDS. The media company secured these rights in 2015 through a long term agreement with FIFA.
TSN and CTV provide English language broadcasting. Both channels air all 104 matches live. TSN Direct offers standalone streaming for around $20 monthly. CTV Go app streams matches free for cable subscribers.
RDS delivers French language coverage throughout Quebec and French speaking regions. RDS Go app provides free streaming for cable subscribers. RDS Direct gives standalone streaming similar to TSN Direct.
All Bell Media streaming services support multiple devices including smart TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones.
Mexican Broadcasting
TelevisaUnivision and TV Azteca share domestic broadcasting rights. Both major networks deliver matches across the country.
Mexican fans need no subscription to watch their national team. Free over the air coverage reaches every household throughout the nation. This public access follows Mexican broadcasting laws for major sporting events.
Both networks provide Spanish language commentary and analysis. Streaming options exist through each broadcaster’s digital platforms and mobile apps.
European Broadcasting Networks
United Kingdom
BBC and ITV secured a groundbreaking deal covering both 2026 and 2030 World Cups. The agreement guarantees free to air coverage for the next two tournaments.
The broadcasters split all 104 matches equally. Each network shows 52 games. Both BBC and ITV will simulcast the final match.
ITV kicks off tournament coverage with the first two matches. The network broadcasts Mexico vs South Africa from Mexico City at 8:00 PM UK time on June 11. ITV carries 29 group stage matches including England’s opening game against Croatia on June 17.
BBC launches coverage on June 12 with Canada’s first match. BBC iPlayer provides free streaming for all BBC matches. ITVX streams all ITV broadcasts at zero cost.
BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra broadcast live audio commentary. The BBC Sport website and app provide additional coverage including text commentary, statistics and video highlights.
The deal guarantees all England matches on free television. Scotland and Wales matches also receive free to air coverage. British fans pay nothing to watch every tournament match.
Germany
Deutsche Telekom owns complete broadcasting rights through its MagentaTV platform. The telecommunications company secured rights to all 104 matches along with the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The paid streaming service shows every single match live. Subscribers get access to all 104 games including 44 exclusive broadcasts. MagentaTV streams in 4K ultra high definition on compatible devices.
The platform offers conference mode during group stage matches. Viewers switch between simultaneous games in real time.
ARD and ZDF secured sublicense agreements for 60 matches total. Each public broadcaster receives 30 games. The sublicense includes all German national team matches if Germany qualifies. Opening match, semifinals and final must broadcast on free TV per German law.
The remaining 44 matches stay exclusive to MagentaTV. These include six round of 32 games, three round of 16 matches and two quarter finals.
France and Andorra
Groupe M6 secured exclusive free to air rights for both 2026 and 2030 World Cups. The broadcaster paid more than the €130 million that 2022 rights cost.
The network broadcasts 54 matches at no charge. Coverage extends to France, Monaco, Andorra and French overseas territories. Viewers get one match per day throughout the group stage. All France national team matches air on M6 regardless of opponent or timing.
The 6play streaming platform carries all M6 matches live. Create a free account to watch on computers, phones or tablets.
Spain
RTVE provides free public broadcasting for select matches. The network shows one match each matchday. All Spain national team games air on RTVE at no cost to viewers.
Mediapro operates paid channels with comprehensive tournament coverage. The media company provides complete access to all 104 matches through its subscription platforms.
Italy
RAI controls television, digital and radio rights for Italian viewers. RAI shows at least 28 matches on Rai 1. Coverage includes the opening match, all quarterfinals, both semifinals and the final.
Mediaset Italy and DAZN hold additional broadcasting rights. These networks provide supplementary coverage across multiple Italian channels.
RaiPlay streams all RAI coverage at no cost. The digital platform works on computers and mobile devices.
Other European Countries
Austria splits coverage between ORF and ServusTV. Switzerland relies on SRG SSR for multi language coverage serving German, French and Italian speaking regions.
Netherlands depends on NOS for free coverage. Belgium uses multiple broadcasters for Dutch and French speaking communities.
Nordic countries maintain strong public broadcasting traditions. Denmark relies on DR and TV 2. Finland divides matches between Yle and MTV3. Sweden watches through SVT and TV4. Norway depends on NRK and TV 2.
Poland watches through TVP. Czech Republic turns to Czech Television. Slovakia relies on STVR and TV JOJ. Hungary gets matches through MTVA.
Arena Sport dominates the Balkans serving Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia with one comprehensive regional deal.
Turkey watches through TRT public channels. Russia uses Match TV. Albania relies on TV Klan. Bulgaria counts on BNT. Croatia watches through HRT. Romania turns to Antena.
South American Broadcasting
Brazil enjoys the richest broadcasting setup in South America. Grupo Globo leads coverage as Brazil’s largest broadcaster. CazéTV offers alternative coverage. SBT and N Sports add more viewing options. Multiple networks guarantee every Brazilian fan can watch matches.
Argentina receives coverage through Telefe, TV Pública and TyC Sports. Three different networks share the Argentine market.
Chile turns to Chilevisión for all tournament matches. Colombia splits coverage between Caracol Televisión, Canal RCN and Win Sports.
Ecuador watches through Teleamazonas broadcasts. Peru relies on América Televisión. Bolivia gets coverage from Red Uno and Unitel working together.
Paraguay uses five different broadcasters: TyC Sports, Trece, Unicanal, GEN TV and Popu TV. Uruguay watches through Canal 5 and Antel TV. Venezuela turns to Televen.
Vrio Corp delivers regional satellite coverage across multiple South American territories. The service reaches viewers in remote areas without strong local broadcasters.
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica watches through Teletica. El Salvador relies on TCS and Tigo Sports. Guatemala turns to Chapín TV and Tigo Sports. Honduras gets matches through Televicentro. Nicaragua watches via Televideo. Panama splits coverage between RPC, TVN and Tigo Sports.
Most Central American broadcasters provide free over the air coverage.
DirecTV Latin America holds media rights across multiple Caribbean territories. The pay television operator serves over 20 island nations including Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados.
Middle East and North Africa
beIN Sports controls exclusive broadcasting rights across the entire MENA region. The network covers 24 countries with comprehensive tournament coverage.
Major markets include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Tunisia, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Yemen. beIN Sports reaches virtually every Arabic speaking country in the region.
The network provides both Arabic and English commentary options. Fans choose their preferred language through audio settings on their television or streaming device.
beIN CONNECT app streams all 104 matches to mobile devices. Download the app on smartphones or tablets for on the go viewing.
Sub Saharan Africa
SuperSport serves the pay TV market across 50 African countries. The network reaches viewers through DStv and GOtv satellite platforms. The SuperSport app streams matches throughout Africa.
New World TV provides additional coverage in select African markets. The broadcaster offers both free and paid options depending on the country.
Asia Pacific Region
East Asia
South Korea watches through JTBC network broadcasts and NAVER Sports streaming platform. Taiwan relies on ELTA Sports for complete coverage. Cambodia gets matches through Hang Meas.
China uses CMG (China Media Group) for exclusive Chinese media rights across all platforms. Japan gets comprehensive coverage through DAZN, NHK, Nippon TV and Fuji TV via Dentsu distribution.
Southeast Asia
beIN Sports holds exclusive rights across multiple Southeast Asian nations. The network serves Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Brunei.
South Pacific
Australia gets completely free coverage through SBS. The public broadcaster owns exclusive rights to all 104 matches. SBS On Demand streams all matches at no cost.
New Zealand turns to TVNZ for complete tournament coverage. The public broadcaster serves the entire country.
Central Asian Markets
Kazakhstan uses Qazaqstan TV and Qazsport. Kyrgyzstan relies on KTRK. Tajikistan gets coverage through Varzish TV and TV Football. Turkmenistan uses Turkmenistan Sport. Uzbekistan turns to Zo’r TV.
Indian Subcontinent
Broadcasting rights for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka entered a tender process in 2025. The bid submission deadline occurred on September 2, 2025.
Official broadcaster announcements will follow the tender conclusion. FIFA evaluates bids based on coverage commitments and technological capabilities. The winning broadcaster will serve over 1.5 billion potential viewers across seven countries.
Special Broadcasting Markets
IMG secured exclusive rights for unique global viewing situations. Sport 24 broadcasts all 104 matches on airlines worldwide. Over 600 aircraft carry the channel. Passengers on Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines and dozens of other carriers get in flight access.
More than 100 cruise ships show matches at sea. Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise lines carry Sport 24.
How to Preparing for Tournament Day
Locate your broadcaster in the table above. Visit their official website to learn about coverage plans. Most networks announce detailed schedules three to six months before kickoff.
Download official broadcaster apps onto your phone and tablet. Test the apps before June 11 to avoid technical problems on match days. Many services require account creation even for free coverage.
Check your internet connection speed. Streaming needs at least 5 Mbps for standard definition. High definition requires 10 Mbps or faster. Ultra HD 4K streams need 25 Mbps minimum.
Public broadcasters usually offer free streaming through official apps. Some require basic registration with an email address. No payment information goes into truly free services.
Create a viewing calendar for your time zone. The tournament spans three North American zones. East Coast viewers get reasonable match times. West Coast fans face early morning kickoffs. European audiences enjoy afternoon and evening games. Asian viewers need flexible sleep schedules.
Record matches you cannot watch live. Most streaming services include cloud DVR features. Free broadcasters typically post full match replays within hours.
Free vs Paid Viewing Options
Public broadcasters provide the best value for casual fans. You get professional coverage at zero cost. Major matches always appear on free television in most countries. Opening matches, semifinals and finals reach the widest possible audience.
Paid services offer benefits for hardcore supporters. You get every single match regardless of importance. Premium platforms provide 4K ultra high definition quality. Multiple camera angle options let you choose your view. Instant replay features let you review great goals immediately. Cloud DVR storage means you never miss a match.
Costs range dramatically by country and service. Budget streaming starts around $8 monthly. Mid tier services run $30 to $50 each month. Premium packages reach $75 or more. Calculate total costs before committing to paid subscriptions.
Many services offer free trial periods. Sign up one week before the tournament starts. You get complete coverage without paying for extra months. Remember to cancel before the trial ends.
Language and Commentary
Most broadcasters provide local language commentary. English options exist in many countries as secondary audio. Major networks offer multiple commentary teams for different audiences.
Some services include stadium sound options. You hear the crowd and players without commentator voices. This immersive option appeals to purist fans.
Streaming apps usually include language selection menus. Switch between available audio tracks during live matches. This flexibility helps multilingual households.
Technical Viewing Tips
Test your setup before the opening match. Stream a regular season game from your chosen service. This reveals any technical issues early.
Wired internet connections work better than WiFi for streaming. Plug your device directly into your router when possible. WiFi signals can drop during crucial moments.
Close unnecessary apps and browser tabs. Streaming requires significant device resources. Give your streaming app maximum processing power.
Restart your device before big matches. Fresh starts prevent many technical glitches. This simple step solves most common problems.
Position yourself close to your router during matches. Weak WiFi signals cause buffering and quality drops. Move closer or use WiFi extenders.
The Most Accessible World Cup Ever
The 2026 tournament reaches more people than any previous World Cup. Nearly every country gets official broadcasting coverage. Free television serves billions of viewers worldwide. Streaming technology delivers matches to phones and tablets everywhere.
Three host nations guarantee strong North American interest. European coverage remains comprehensive across the continent. Asian markets continue growing with each tournament. African broadcasting expands through mobile technology. South American passion ensures complete regional coverage.
Save this guide for reference throughout 2025 and early 2026. Broadcasting details rarely change once announced. These official partners will deliver the tournament to your screens.
Share this information with fellow football fans. Everyone deserves to know where they can watch the beautiful game. The wait for June 2026 continues but now you know exactly how to watch.
