Get ready for a summer of soccer like never before. On June 11, 2026, the expanded FIFA World Cup kicks off spectacularly across three nations, marking the largest and most inclusive tournament in the event’s 96-year history.
With 48 teams battling through 104 matches in 16 iconic stadiums from Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca to New York, New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, football’s global showpiece returns to North America for the first time since 1994.
The final on July 19 promises to crown a new champion in front of a record live audience expected to exceed six million fans.
As excitement builds to a fever pitch, the essential question for supporters everywhere is How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Live.
For fans in the United States, FOX Sports will be the ultimate destination, offering a historic 340 hours of programming. With a record 70 matches airing on the FOX broadcast network—more than double the 2022 coverage—and the remainder on FS1, viewers will have unprecedented access to every kick.
All 104 games will be available to stream, with FOX introducing a new “World Cup viewing experience” and even offering select opening matches for free in 4K on Tubi.
Whether cheering from home, at a watch party, or on mobile devices while travelling, fans now have more ways than ever to catch every goal, save, and dramatic moment without missing a second of the action.
In the United States, FOX Sports serves as the English-language home, broadcasting a record 70 matches on the FOX network and 34 on FS1, with every game streaming live and on-demand via the FOX Sports app and major platforms including Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV.
Spanish-language audiences can enjoy full coverage on Telemundo (92 matches) and Universo (12 matches), all streaming on Peacock.
Internationally, rights holders such as the BBC and ITV in the UK, Bell Media in Canada, and local broadcasters worldwide ensure near-universal access, often complemented by FIFA+ for select matches and highlights.
With comprehensive TV, streaming, and digital options tailored for every time zone and preference, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the most accessible tournament ever—bringing the world’s greatest sporting drama straight to you.
How to Watch 2026 FIFA World Cup Live
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with all 104 matches available through official media partners in the host nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—and globally.
As the tournament returns to North America, fans have more options than ever to catch the action live, ranging from traditional network television to innovative digital streaming platforms.
2026 FIFA World Cup broadcasting rights
FIFA has secured expansive media rights deals globally to ensure comprehensive coverage. In the host nations, Fox Sports and Telemundo (USA), Bell Media (Canada), and TelevisaUnivision (Mexico) serve as primary broadcasters. Internationally, major partners include the BBC and ITV in the UK, SBS in Australia, and beIN Sports in the Middle East.
Rights are sold territory-by-territory. Every country has at least one official broadcaster (often free-to-air for major matches). Always use official sources for the best quality, commentary in your language, and legal access.
How to Find Your Local Official Broadcaster
The easiest way to find the official broadcaster in your country is to visit the FIFA.com website closer to the tournament. The official list covers 169+ territories. Local broadcaster websites/apps will publish full schedules closer to June 2026.
Official Broadcasters and Streaming Partners
| Country | Broadcasters |
| Afghanistan | Ariana News, Ariana Television |
| Albania | TV Klan |
| Andorra | RTVE, M6 |
| Argentina | DGO, DSPORTS |
| Aruba | DGO, DSPORTS |
| Armenia | AMPTV |
| Australia | SBS, SBS On Demand |
| Austria | Österreichischer Rundfunk, ServusTV On |
| Azerbaijan | Ictimai TV |
| Barbados | DGO, DSPORTS |
| Belgium | Auvio, Sporza, Tipik, VRT Max, VRT Canvas |
| Bolivia | Red Uno de Bolivia, Unitel |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Arena Sport |
| Brazil | Cazé TV |
| Bulgaria | BNT |
| Cambodia | Hang Meas |
| Canada | RDS, TSN1 |
| Chile | DGO, DSPORTS |
| China | CMG |
| Chinese Taipei | ELTA Sports 1 |
| Colombia | Caracol Televisión, DGO, DSPORTS, RCN Televisión, Win Sports |
| Croatia | HRT, HRTi |
| Czech Republic | Czech Television |
| Curaçao | DGO, DSPORTS |
| Denmark | DR, TV 2 |
| Ecuador | DGO, DSPORTS, Teleamazonas |
| El Salvador | Canal 4 TV, Tigo Sports El Salvador, Tigo Sports App |
| Europe | EBU |
| Fiji | FBC Sports, LA 1 |
| Finland | MTV Urheilu 1 |
| France | M6, beIN Sports France |
| Georgia | GPB |
| Germany | ARD, Magenta Sport, ZDF |
| Greece | ERT |
| Guatemala | Canal 11, Canal 3, Tigo Sports 06 / 706, Tigo Sports App & Web |
| Guyana | DGO, DSPORTS |
| Honduras | Televicentro |
| Hungary | M4 Sport |
| Iceland | RUV2 |
| Indonesia | TVRI, RRI |
| Iran | IRIB TV3, Persiana Sports |
| Israel | KAN, KAN BOX, MAKAN |
| Italy | RAI, Mediaset |
| Japan | DAZN, NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV |
| Kazakhstan | Qazaqstan TV, Qazsport |
| Kyrgyzstan | KTRK |
| Korea Republic | JTBC |
| Liechtenstein | SRG SSR |
| Luxembourg | VRT, RTBF |
| Macau | TDM Sport |
| Maldives | ICE Networks |
| Malta | TVMsport+ |
| Mexico | Canal 5, Las Estrellas, TUDN, ViX |
| MENA | beIN Sports |
| Mongolia | MME |
| Montenegro | Arena Sport, RTCG |
| Netherlands | NOS |
| New Zealand | TVNZ 1, TVNZ+, TVNZ+ Pay Pass |
| Nepal | Prime TV |
| Niger | ORTN |
| North Macedonia | Arena Sport |
| Norway | NRK, TV 2 |
| Panama | RPC, Tigo Sports, TVMAX, TVN Panama, TVN Pass |
| Paraguay | GEN, POPU TV, Trece, Unicanal |
| Peru | América Televisión, DGO, DSPORTS |
| Poland | TVP Sport |
| Portugal | Sport TV, LiveModeTV |
| Romania | Antena |
| Russia | Match TV |
| San Marino | RAI, Mediaset |
| Serbia | Arena Sport |
| Singapore | Mediacorp |
| Slovakia | STVR, TV JOJ |
| Slovenia | Arena Sport |
| South Africa | SABC |
| South America | DSports |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | New World TV, SuperSport |
| Spain | PLAY |
| Suriname | DGO, DSPORTS |
| Sweden | SVT2 |
| Switzerland | RSI, RTS, SRF |
| Trinidad and Tobago | DGO, DSPORTS |
| Taiwan | ELTA Sports, Hami Video, EBC |
| Turkey | TRT |
| Turkmenistan | Turkmenistan Sport |
| Tajikistan | Varzish TV, TV Football |
| United Kingdom | BBC, ITV |
| Uruguay | DGO, DSPORTS |
| United States | FOX, Peacock, Telemundo Network, Telemundo App, Universo |
| Uzbekistan | Zo’r TV |
| Vatican City | RAI, Mediaset |
| Venezuela | DGO, DSPORTS, Televen |
Free vs Paid Viewing Options
Viewing options will vary significantly by country. In some nations, the World Cup is considered a “crown jewel” event and must be available on free-to-air television. For example, in the UK, the entire tournament will be available free-to-air on BBC and ITV, SBS in Australia, and SABC in South Africa.
In the US and Canada, most coverage is on cable/satellite or paid streaming, although Fox will air 70 games on its free, over-the-air network, while 34 games will be on cable channel FS1. All games will also be available on the subscription-based streaming service Fox One. Paid options include live-TV streamers with full access and on-demand replays.
Is FIFA+ Streaming the World Cup?
No — FIFA+ will not stream live World Cup 2026 matches. It offers free highlights, match replays (after official broadcasters air them), documentaries, behind-the-scenes content, and archives. Live matches remain exclusive to the official broadcasters listed above.
Live Streaming Options for the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the most-streamed tournament in history — with 104 matches across three host nations and time zones spanning 15+ hours, official streaming platforms are the smartest (and often only) way to catch every kick-off without missing a moment.
Whether you’re watching on your phone during a lunch break, casting to a big-screen TV at a watch party, or multitasking on a laptop, every official broadcaster delivers reliable, high-quality live streams in HD and 4K where available.
No more hunting for channels or dealing with cable boxes — just open the app, sign in, and enjoy crystal-clear coverage with your local language commentary, multiple camera angles, stats overlays, and instant replays.
All 104 matches will be available live and on-demand through dedicated broadcaster apps and websites, plus major cord-cutting services.
FIFA+ will not stream live World Cup matches (it remains excellent for free highlights, full replays after they air, and exclusive content), so always use your territory’s official rights holder for the best experience.
Here are the best ways to stream the 2026 World Cup live, no matter where you are or what device you use.
Streaming on Mobile, Smart TV & Desktop
Official broadcasters will offer streaming via their own apps and websites. In the U.S., the Fox Sports app and Fox One service will stream all matches. In Canada, TSN+ and the CTV app will be the destinations. In the UK, matches will be streamed on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. These apps are universally available on iOS, Android, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.
- USA (English): All FOX/FS1 matches stream via the FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com. Live TV services like YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream also carry these channels.
- USA (Spanish): Every match streams live on Peacock and the Telemundo App.
- Canada: TSN App, CTV App, RDS App (for French)
- UK: BBC iPlayer, ITVX
- Spain: DAZN App, RTVE Play
- Australia: SBS On Demand, Apps work seamlessly on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Smart TVs, and web browsers.
- Global Highlights: The FIFA+ App and FIFA.com provide free highlights, live scores, and select content, though live match streaming is typically restricted to territories without local broadcasters.
Streaming Without Cable (Cord-Cutters Guide)
You don’t need a traditional cable subscription to watch the World Cup.
United States:
- English (FOX/FS1): Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV (Orange + Sports Extra)
- Spanish: Peacock (standalone subscription) All services offer free trials in many cases.
Canada: TSN+ and CTV streaming (subscription or via cable login).
UK/Europe/Australia: Mostly free via iPlayer, ITVX, SBS On Demand (account required, often just an email).
Can You Watch Using VPNs? (Legal Explanation)
Using a VPN to access your home country’s official broadcaster while travelling abroad is generally legal and common (e.g., a UK resident abroad using BBC iPlayer). However, using a VPN to access geo-blocked content you are not entitled to (e.g., subscribing to a US service from outside the US without rights) may violate the service’s terms of service. FIFA and broadcasters actively protect territorial rights. For the best experience and to support local production, use your local official option.
2026 FIFA World Cup Match Schedule & Kick-Off Times
With 104 matches and three host countries, the schedule is packed with action across multiple time slots.
Tournament Start & Final Date
- First match: June 11, 2026 – Mexico vs South Africa (Estadio Azteca, Mexico City)
- Final: July 19, 2026 – MetLife Stadium, New York New Jersey
Group Stage Match Schedule
June 11–27, 2026. 12 groups of 4 teams. Each team plays 3 matches. Top 2 from each group + 8 best third-placed teams advance (32 teams total).
Knockout Stage & Final Schedule
- Round of 32: June 28 – July 3
- Round of 16: July 4–7
- Quarter-finals: July 9–11
- Semi-finals: July 14–15
- Third-place match: July 18
- Final: July 19
Time Zone Conversion Guide (USA, Europe, Asia)
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup spanning the North American continent, matches will take place across four major time zones: Pacific (PT), Mountain (MT), Central (CT), and Eastern (ET). Because the tournament features an expanded 48-team format, kick-off times are strategically staggered to accommodate global audiences.
Typical Kick-Off Windows
While specific times vary by match day, FIFA has established primary kick-off windows (expressed in US Eastern Time) to maximise viewership across the three host nations and international markets.
| Match Window | US Eastern (ET) | UK / West Europe (BST/CEST) | East Asia (JST/KST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM* |
| Afternoon | 3:00 PM | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM* |
| Early Evening | 6:00 PM | 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM* |
| Prime Time | 9:00 PM | 2:00 AM – 3:00 AM* | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM* |
How to Convert for Your Region
To ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action, use this quick reference guide based on the stadium locations:
- USA & Canada (Eastern): Cities like New York/New Jersey (Final Venue), Toronto, and Miami follow Eastern Time. If a match is listed at 3:00 PM ET, that is your local time.
- USA & Mexico (Central): For matches in Dallas, Mexico City, or Kansas City, subtract 1 hour from Eastern Time (e.g., a 3:00 PM ET kickoff is 2:00 PM local).
- USA & Canada (Pacific): For matches in Los Angeles, Vancouver, or Seattle, subtract 3 hours from Eastern Time (e.g., a 3:00 PM ET kickoff is 12:00 PM local).
- Europe (London/Lisbon): Generally 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time. Most matches will air in the evening and late night.
- Asia (Tokyo/Seoul): Generally 13 to 14 hours ahead of Eastern Time. Fans in this region will primarily watch matches in the early morning and throughout the following day.
Major Milestone Kick-Offs
- Opening Match (June 11): Scheduled for late afternoon in Mexico City (Central Time), translating to a prime-time evening slot for the US East Coast and late-night viewing for Europe.
- The Final (July 19): To be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. The kick-off is expected to be 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM ET to allow for prime-time viewing across Europe and Africa.
FAQs – Watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup Worldwide
Q: Where can I find the official list of broadcasters for my country?
A: FIFA maintains a regularly updated Media Rights Licensees list on the official FIFA.com website. You can search by region to find the specific TV channels and streaming platforms authorised to broadcast in your territory.
Q: Which channels are broadcasting the World Cup in the host nations?
A:
- USA: FOX Sports (English) and Telemundo/Universo (Spanish) [1, 2].
- Canada: CTV, TSN (English), and RDS (French) [1, 3].
- Mexico: TelevisaUnivision, TUDN, and TV Azteca [1].
Q: Is the World Cup free to watch in the United Kingdom and Europe?
A: Yes, in many European countries, the World Cup is protected as an “event of major importance.”
- UK: All matches are free-to-air, shared between the BBC and ITV [1, 5].
- Germany: ARD and ZDF provide free coverage, while Magenta Sport offers a paid 4K alternative [1].
- Spain: RTVE offers free-to-air matches [1].
Q: How do I watch the World Cup in Australia and Oceania?
A: In Australia, SBS is the exclusive broadcaster, offering all 104 matches live and free on SBS, SBS VICELAND, and the SBS On Demand app [1, 5]. In New Zealand, TVNZ and Sky Sport share the rights [1].
Q: What are the main broadcasters for Asia and the Middle East?
A:
- Middle East & North Africa (MENA): beIN Sports holds exclusive rights.
- India: Matches are expected to stream on JioCinema and air on Sports18.
- China: CCTV (China Media Group) is the primary broadcaster.
- Japan: A combination of NHK, TV Asahi, and Fuji TV.
Q: Can I stream the World Cup live on FIFA+?
A: It depends on your location. While FIFA+ provides highlights and archives globally, live match streaming is generally restricted to “dark markets” where no local broadcaster has purchased the rights. However, FIFA+ will offer extensive real-time data and “enhanced” viewing features in all regions.
Q: Are there any 4K/UHD streaming options?
A: Yes. Several premium broadcasters, including FOX Sports (USA), Magenta Sport (Germany), and beIN Sports, have confirmed they will offer matches in 4K Ultra HD via their dedicated apps and 4K-capable set-top boxes.
Q: Can I watch matches for free if I don’t have cable?
A: Many regions offer free-to-air digital terrestrial television (DTT). Additionally, platforms like BBC iPlayer (UK) and SBS On Demand (Australia) are free to use within those countries. In the US, the Tubi app will offer free on-demand replays of matches.
Bookmark this page or follow FutbolUpdate for live schedule updates, broadcaster changes, and kickoff alerts throughout the tournament.
I am extremely happy to see the start of 2026 world cup