FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Channels and Broadcasting Rights Worldwide
The FIFA World Cup 2026 TV channels now reach more than 200 territories around the world. The biggest football tournament ever runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Forty-eight teams play 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Mexico opens the tournament at Mexico City Stadium on June 11. The final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Every fan wants to know one thing. Where can I watch the matches in my country? This guide covers every confirmed broadcaster by country so you know exactly where to watch.
Quick summary: FOX and Telemundo cover the United States. BBC and ITV split UK coverage free. SBS shows all 104 matches free in Australia. Bell Media holds Canadian rights. TelevisaUnivision and TV Azteca air every match free in Mexico. India and Bangladesh have no confirmed broadcaster yet.
Key broadcasting facts at a glance:
- 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 host cities (11 in the US, 3 in Mexico, 2 in Canada)
- More than 200 territories have confirmed broadcasters
- Preferred Platforms: TikTok (announced January 8, 2026) and YouTube (March 17, 2026)
- FIFA broadcast revenue: about $3.92 billion across the rights cycle
- International Broadcast Centre: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas
We update this page as new deals are announced.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcasters by Country
The table below shows every confirmed broadcaster as of May 2026. Free means no subscription needed. Paid means a cable, satellite, or streaming subscription is required. Mixed means coverage splits between free and paid services.
| Country/Region | Broadcaster(s) | Free or Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ATN | Paid |
| Albania | TV Klan | Free |
| Andorra | RTVE, M6 | Free |
| Argentina | Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports | Mixed |
| Armenia | AMPTV | Free |
| Australia | SBS, SBS Viceland, SBS On Demand | Free |
| Austria | ORF, ServusTV | Mixed |
| Azerbaijan | İTV | Free |
| Belgium | VRT, RTBF | Free |
| Bolivia | Red Uno, Unitel | Free |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | Arena Sport | Paid |
| Brazil | Grupo Globo, CazéTV, SBT, N Sports | Mixed |
| Bulgaria | BNT | Free |
| Cambodia | Hang Meas | Free |
| Canada | Bell Media (CTV, TSN, RDS) | Mixed |
| Chile | Chilevisión | Free |
| China | CMG (CCTV) | Free |
| Colombia | Caracol TV, Canal RCN, Win Sports | Mixed |
| Costa Rica | Teletica | Free |
| Croatia | HRT | Free |
| Czechia | Czech Television | Free |
| Denmark | DR, TV2 | Mixed |
| Ecuador | Teleamazonas | Free |
| El Salvador | TCS, Tigo Sports | Mixed |
| Fiji | Fijian Broadcasting Corporation | Free |
| Finland | Yle, MTV3 | Mixed |
| France | M6, beIN Sports | Mixed |
| Georgia | GPB | Free |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF, Magenta Sport | Mixed |
| Greece | ERT | Free |
| Guatemala | Chapín TV, Tigo Sports | Mixed |
| Honduras | Televicentro | Free |
| Hong Kong | Now TV (all 104, paid 4K), ViuTV (select matches incl. opener and Final, free) | Mixed |
| Hungary | MTVA | Free |
| Iceland | RÚV | Free |
| Indonesia | TVRI, RRI | Free |
| Iran | IRIB TV3, Persiana Sports | Free |
| Israel | KAN | Free |
| Italy | RAI, DAZN | Mixed |
| Japan | Dentsu (DAZN, NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV) | Mixed |
| Kazakhstan | QAZTRK | Free |
| Kyrgyzstan | KTRK | Free |
| Liechtenstein | SRG SSR | Free |
| Luxembourg | VRT, RTBF | Free |
| Macau | TDM | Free |
| Maldives | ICE Networks, Medianet | Paid |
| Malta | PBS | Free |
| MENA Region | beIN Sports | Paid |
| Mexico | TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca | Free |
| Mongolia | MME | Free |
| Montenegro | Arena Sport, RTCG | Mixed |
| Nepal | Acepro Media (FIFA partner; Prime TV expected as local distribution) | Mixed |
| Netherlands | NOS | Free |
| New Zealand | TVNZ, TVNZ+ Event Pass | Mixed |
| Nicaragua | Televideo | Free |
| Niger | ORTN | Free |
| North Macedonia | Arena Sport | Paid |
| Norway | NRK, TV2 | Mixed |
| Panama | RPC, TVN, Tigo Sports | Mixed |
| Paraguay | Trece, Unicanal, GEN TV, Popu TV | Free |
| Peru | América Televisión | Free |
| Philippines | Aleph Group | Mixed |
| Poland | TVP | Free |
| Portugal | Sport TV, LiveModeTV | Paid |
| Romania | Antena | Free |
| Russia | Match TV | Free |
| San Marino | RAI, DAZN | Mixed |
| Serbia | Arena Sport | Paid |
| Singapore | Mediacorp | Free |
| Slovakia | STVR, TV JOJ | Mixed |
| Slovenia | Arena Sport | Paid |
| South Africa | SABC, SuperSport, SportyTV | Mixed |
| South Korea | JTBC, NAVER Sports, CHZZK | Mixed |
| Spain | RTVE, Mediapro, DAZN | Mixed |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | New World TV, SuperSport | Mixed |
| Sweden | SVT, TV4 | Mixed |
| Switzerland | SRG SSR | Free |
| Taiwan | ELTA Sports, EBC, TTV, Hami Video | Mixed |
| Tajikistan | Varzish TV, TV Football | Free |
| Timor-Leste | ETO | Free |
| Türkiye | TRT | Free |
| Turkmenistan | Turkmenistan Sport | Free |
| United Kingdom | BBC, ITV | Free |
| United States | FOX, FS1, Telemundo, Universo | Mixed |
| Uruguay | Canal 5, Antel TV | Free |
| Uzbekistan | Zo’r TV | Free |
| Vatican City | RAI, DAZN | Mixed |
| Venezuela | Televen | Free |
| Vietnam | FPT Telecom | Mixed |
| South America (regional) | DSports / DirecTV | Paid |
| Caribbean | DSports / DirecTV | Paid |
| In-Flight & Cruise Ships | Sport24 | Bundled |
Indian Subcontinent status: No FIFA-licensed broadcaster has been confirmed for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka as of May 2026. The Maldives has separate coverage through ICE Networks and Medianet. Nepal is covered by Acepro Media. Skip down to the dedicated section below for what to do if your country is on this list.
United States Broadcasting
FOX Sports holds the English rights. Telemundo holds the Spanish rights. Together they share all 104 matches across linear TV and streaming.
How Many Matches Air on Each Network
| Network | Language | Matches | Free or Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOX | English | 70 | Free over the air |
| FS1 | English | 34 | Cable required |
| Telemundo | Spanish | 92 | Free over the air |
| Universo | Spanish | 12 | Cable required |
| Tubi | English | 2 (plus opening ceremony) | Free, no account |
A record 40 matches air in primetime. FOX takes 21 of them and FS1 takes 19. Every knockout match starting July 4 airs on FOX. That includes all four Quarterfinals, both Semifinals, the third-place match, and the Final. Telemundo airs 700 hours of programming, the most ever for a Spanish-language World Cup.
Streaming Routes
FOX One streams all 104 English matches in 4K direct-to-consumer. Peacock streams all 104 in Spanish. The FOX Sports App and Telemundo App stream free with a cable login. Live-TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and Sling Blue carry the same FOX and FS1 broadcasts.
Want a side-by-side comparison of US streaming services, including prices and free trials? Read our dedicated guide on how to live stream FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from anywhere.
Free Viewing Without Cable
A digital antenna picks up 70 FOX matches plus 92 Telemundo matches over the air. Tubi streams two big matches free in 4K with no account: Mexico vs South Africa on June 11 and USA vs Paraguay on June 12. A one-time antenna purchase of $30 to $50 covers free FOX and Telemundo broadcasts for the entire tournament.
Canadian Broadcasting
Bell Media holds the Canadian rights to all 104 matches. CTV airs English coverage free over the air. TSN carries English cable broadcasts. RDS handles French-language coverage for Quebec and other French-speaking regions.
Canadian streaming options:
- CTV GO and RDS GO: Free with an existing cable subscription
- TSN+: $24.99 per month standalone streaming
- DAZN Canada: Does not hold World Cup rights
Canada hosts matches in Toronto and Vancouver. The team opens play on June 12 at Toronto Stadium against the Winner of UEFA Playoff A.
Mexican Broadcasting
TelevisaUnivisión and TV Azteca share Mexican rights and simulcast the same 32 free matches. ViX Premium streams all 104 matches and is the only path to the remaining 72 paid-only games.
Free coverage airs on Canal 5 and Las Estrellas through Televisa, and on Azteca 7 and Canal 13 through TV Azteca. The free package includes every Mexico national team group stage match, the opening match, four Round of 32 matches, four Round of 16 matches, two Quarterfinals, both Semifinals, and the Final. The TV Azteca En Vivo app streams the same coverage free on mobile.
TV Azteca’s Spanish commentary team features Christian Martinoli, Luis García, Jorge Campos, and Luis Roberto Alves. Iker Casillas and Jorge Valdano join for 2026.
Sky Sports Mexico does not carry the 2026 World Cup. Qatar 2022 was the last edition Sky transmitted in Mexico.
FIFA rules ban commercials during the 90 minutes of live play. Mexican viewers see ads only at half-time and during 3-minute hydration breaks.
Mexico opens the tournament against South Africa on June 11 at 3:00 PM ET. The host nation plays in Group A with South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia.
United Kingdom Broadcasting
BBC and ITV split all 104 UK matches equally. Both channels are free with no subscription. Both simulcast the Final on July 19.
ITV opens the tournament with Mexico vs South Africa on June 11. The channel airs 29 Group Stage matches including England vs Croatia on June 17 and England vs Panama on June 27. ITV also covers Scotland vs Morocco on June 19.
BBC airs England vs Ghana on June 23. The broadcaster also takes England’s Round of 32, Round of 16, and Semi-Final games. BBC covers Scotland’s group matches against Haiti and Brazil. BBC Radio 5 Live carries audio commentary throughout the tournament.
UK fans stream free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Scottish viewers can also use STV Player.
Australia Broadcasting
SBS holds the Australian rights and airs all 104 matches live and free on SBS, SBS Viceland, and SBS On Demand. The broadcaster has been the home of World Cup football in Australia since 1986. No subscription needed.
Quick note: Seven Network and Optus Sport held the rights to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. They do not hold rights to the 2026 Men’s tournament.
New Zealand Broadcasting
TVNZ holds the New Zealand rights. The broadcaster has launched a paid streaming product alongside its free coverage for the first time at a major event.
- Free coverage: 22 matches free on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+. The free package includes every All Whites group stage match against Iran, Egypt, and Belgium plus the opening match, two more group stage games, two Round of 16 matches, one quarter-final, one semi-final, and the Final
- TVNZ+ Event Pass: NZ$44.95 one-off payment gives access to all 104 matches live and on demand plus highlights and exclusive clips
- Format: HD only, no 4K coverage
The All Whites play in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and Iran. New Zealand qualified through the OFC playoffs.
Major European Markets
Most European broadcasters split rights between a free public broadcaster and a paid sports platform.
| Country | Free Coverage | Paid Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | ARD and ZDF (60 matches) | Magenta Sport (all 104 in 4K) |
| France | M6 (54 matches including all France games) | beIN Sports |
| Spain | RTVE (Spain national team games) | Mediapro and DAZN (all 104) |
| Italy | RAI (28 matches including final) | DAZN (all 104) |
| Netherlands | NOS (all 104) | None |
| Belgium | VRT and RTBF (all 104) | None |
| Portugal | None | Sport TV and LiveModeTV |
| Poland | TVP (all 104) | None |
| Türkiye | TRT (all 104) | None |
Stream M6 matches free on 6play. Stream RAI matches free on RaiPlay. Stream RTVE matches free on RTVE Play. The Netherlands streams free on NPO Start. Magenta Sport in Germany offers a multi-match conference mode during the Group Stage.
Smaller European markets get coverage through neighboring country broadcasters. That includes Andorra, Luxembourg, San Marino, Vatican City, and Liechtenstein. Switzerland uses SRG SSR across all language regions. Arena Sport covers Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia under one Balkan deal.
Nordic countries share coverage between public and commercial free-to-air broadcasters. Denmark has DR and TV2. Finland has Yle and MTV3. Norway has NRK and TV2. Sweden has SVT and TV4.
Middle East and North Africa
beIN Sports holds the rights across the entire MENA region. The deal covers 24 countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, South Sudan, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros, and Western Sahara.
Both Arabic and English commentary are available. The beIN CONNECT app streams all 104 matches on mobile devices. A beIN Sports subscription is needed.
Sub-Saharan Africa
The Sub-Saharan Africa rights structure changed for 2026. New World TV holds the primary regional rights, taking over from SuperSport. SuperSport then sub-licensed coverage from New World TV.
South Africa Broadcasting
South Africa has the most layered coverage in the region:
- SABC (free-to-air): All matches free on SABC 1, SABC 3, SABC Sport, and the SABC Plus streaming app. The broadcaster sub-licensed from New World TV with sponsorship support from Hollywoodbets
- SuperSport on DStv and GOtv (pay-TV): All 104 matches across every DStv tier from R99 per month Access package. Also available on GOtv
- SportyTV (streaming): All 104 matches with a SportyBet account
DStv has included a marquee global tournament in its entry-level Access tier for the first time. SuperSport will broadcast in seven African languages but not in 4K. The decision freed up budget for localization across 26 sub-Saharan markets.
A record 10 African nations qualified for 2026. That is the most ever in tournament history. South Africa returns to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010.
Asia Pacific Region
| Country | Broadcaster Setup |
|---|---|
| China | CMG (CCTV) all platforms |
| Japan | Dentsu sub-licensed to DAZN (all 104 streaming), NHK (33 terrestrial matches incl. all Japan games + all 104 on NHK BS Premium 4K), Nippon TV (15 matches), Fuji TV (10 matches) |
| South Korea | JTBC (TV), NAVER Sports and CHZZK (digital) |
| Taiwan | ELTA Sports (cable), Hami Video (IPTV), EBC, TTV |
| Indonesia | TVRI (TV), RRI (radio) |
| Vietnam | FPT Telecom |
| Philippines | Aleph Group |
| Singapore | Mediacorp |
Central Asian countries get free coverage. Kazakhstan has QAZTRK. Kyrgyzstan has KTRK. Tajikistan has Varzish TV and TV Football. Turkmenistan has Turkmenistan Sport. Uzbekistan has Zo’r TV.
Latin America Broadcasting
Brazil has the richest broadcast lineup in the region. Grupo Globo leads primary coverage. CazéTV streams the entire tournament free on YouTube. SBT and N Sports provide extra free coverage.
Other South American broadcasters:
- Argentina: Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports
- Colombia: Caracol TV, Canal RCN, Win Sports
- Chile: Chilevisión
- Peru: América Televisión
- Ecuador: Teleamazonas
DSports holds regional pay-TV rights across most of South America. The deal excludes Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Most Central American countries get free over-the-air coverage. DSports also covers Caribbean territories through the DGO app.
Indian Subcontinent: Status Update
FIFA has not announced any official broadcaster for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka as of May 2026. JioStar and Sony did not bid at FIFA’s original asking price of about $100 million. FIFA has since cut its asking price to around $35 million. Indian public broadcaster Prasar Bharati through Doordarshan has emerged as the most likely fallback. Bangladesh fans should watch for word from BTV and T Sports.
We will update this article the moment a broadcaster is confirmed.
What to Do If Your Country Has No Confirmed Broadcaster
Some fans cannot find their country in the broadcaster table. The Indian subcontinent is the most prominent example, but the same situation can affect other small territories or fans traveling abroad. A few legal options work everywhere.
FIFA+ at plus.fifa.com is the official global backup. The free platform carries match replays, highlights, and possibly selected live matches in markets without a confirmed broadcaster. Official broadcaster YouTube channels post first-10-minute clips and full match highlights within hours of full time. BBC Radio 5 Live streams English audio commentary worldwide through the BBC Sounds app with no geo-restriction.
Check FIFA’s Media Partners page at inside.fifa.com weekly for new deals.
TikTok and YouTube as Preferred Platforms
FIFA has named two social platforms as Preferred Platforms for the first time at a men’s World Cup.
TikTok Deal (January 8, 2026)
TikTok became FIFA’s first-ever Preferred Platform. The deal runs through the end of 2026 and hosts a dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026 hub powered by TikTok GamePlan. Official broadcasters can live-stream parts of matches inside TikTok. The deal also includes a creator program with behind-the-scenes access to press conferences and training sessions.
YouTube Deal (March 17, 2026)
YouTube followed as a Preferred Platform two months later. Official broadcasters can live-stream the first 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channels. Selected broadcasters also have the option to stream full matches. The agreement opens up FIFA’s Digital Archive with full-length classic matches and powers CazéTV’s free streaming of every match in Brazil.
These social platform deals do not replace traditional broadcasters. Full match coverage in your country still depends on the broadcaster table above.
Special Broadcasting Markets
Sport24 covers all 104 matches for international in-flight and cruise ship audiences. The service reaches more than 600 aircraft and 100 cruise ships worldwide. Airlines that carry Sport24 include Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Singapore Airlines. Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise lines also carry the channel.
How to Prepare for Tournament Day
Take these steps before June 11 to avoid problems on match day:
- Find your broadcaster in the table above
- Download the broadcaster app and create an account
- Confirm your cable login if streaming through a free app
- Test your internet speed
Recommended internet speeds for live streaming:
- 5 Mbps minimum for standard definition
- 10 Mbps for HD
- 25 Mbps for 4K UHD
A wired Ethernet connection performs better than WiFi during live matches.
Free vs Paid FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Channels by Country
| Country | Free Matches | Paid Matches | Best Free Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 104 | 0 | BBC iPlayer or ITVX |
| Australia | 104 | 0 | SBS On Demand |
| Mexico | 104 | 0 | TelevisaUnivision OTA |
| Netherlands | 104 | 0 | NPO Start |
| Belgium | 104 | 0 | VRT or RTBF |
| Brazil | 104 | 0 | CazéTV on YouTube |
| Germany | 60 | 44 | ARD and ZDF |
| France | 54 | 50 | M6 on 6play |
| United States (English) | 70 | 34 | FOX over the air |
| United States (Spanish) | 92 | 12 | Telemundo over the air |
| New Zealand | 22 | 82 (TVNZ+ Event Pass NZ$44.95) | TVNZ 1 free coverage |
| Italy | 28 | 76 | RAI on RaiPlay |
| Canada | 104 (with antenna) | Streaming only | CTV over the air |
The FIFA World Cup 2026 TV channels span more than 200 territories, with free-to-air coverage the default in most major markets. Find your country in the broadcaster table above, install your local rights holder’s app, and test your login at least 48 hours before the June 11 opening match.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcasting FAQs
What is the cheapest way to watch every 2026 World Cup match in the US?
Peacock Premium at $10.99 per month is the cheapest full-tournament option but covers only Spanish commentary. FOX One at $19.99 per month covers all 104 matches in English with 4K. Both plans allow you to cancel anytime after the tournament ends on July 19.
Do I need a VPN to watch the World Cup abroad?
A VPN is needed only if you want to access your home country’s broadcaster while traveling abroad. Most broadcaster apps block access outside their licensed territory. Use a reputable paid VPN service and check the local laws of your destination country.
Will the 2026 FIFA World Cup be available in 4K?
FOX One streams every match in 4K in the United States. Most US pay-TV providers carry matches in 4K. Tubi streams two matches free in 4K with no subscription. Magenta Sport streams all 104 matches in 4K in Germany.
NHK BS Premium 4K covers Japan. Now TV in Hong Kong streams all 104 in 4K. Outside these markets, 4K availability depends on your local broadcaster. SuperSport will not broadcast in 4K in Sub-Saharan Africa, and TVNZ in New Zealand is HD only.
Which broadcaster covers the most countries in one deal?
beIN Sports covers the most ground with exclusive rights across 24 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. SuperSport serves more than 50 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa through DStv. Arena Sport covers five Balkan countries through a single regional deal.
Does FIFA+ show live World Cup matches?
FIFA+ does not show live matches in countries where exclusive rights belong to a local broadcaster. That covers almost every major territory. FIFA+ carries highlights, press conferences, and behind-the-scenes content during the tournament. The Indian subcontinent may be the exception where FIFA+ provides live access if no broadcaster is confirmed before kickoff.
What channel is the World Cup 2026 opening match on?
The opening match Mexico vs South Africa on June 11, 2026 kicks off at 3:00 PM ET (1:00 PM local time in Mexico City). FOX broadcasts in English with a two-hour pregame show beginning at 1:00 PM ET. Telemundo airs the match in Spanish. ITV broadcasts in the United Kingdom at 8:00 PM BST. Tubi streams the match free in 4K with no account required.
