Fan Guides

How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 — TV Channels & Streaming Guide

By World Cup 2026 Guide Team·May 10, 2026·6 min read
How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 — TV Channels & Streaming Guide
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FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11 — and with 104 matches across 39 days, you'll want to know exactly where and how to watch every single game. Whether you're at home, on the go, or abroad, here's the complete guide to TV channels and streaming services broadcasting the World Cup in every major country.

United States

The USA is the primary host nation and has the most extensive broadcast deal in tournament history.

Fox Sports & Telemundo (English & Spanish)

Fox and FS1 hold English-language rights for the entire tournament. Every one of the 104 matches will be broadcast, with the biggest games on the main Fox channel. Fox's coverage includes studio shows, match analysis, and a full presenter and pundit lineup.

Telemundo and Universo carry Spanish-language rights — historically drawing enormous ratings for Mexico matches and Spanish-language communities across the USA.

Streaming — Fubo TV

FuboTV is the best streaming option for cord-cutters in the USA, carrying both Fox and Telemundo channels. Plans start from around $80/month with no contract.

Streaming — Fox Sports App & Peacock

The Fox Sports app streams all Fox and FS1 matches with a cable/satellite login. Peacock (NBCUniversal) carries Telemundo streaming rights for Spanish-language broadcasts.

Key details:

  • All 104 matches broadcast (no blackouts)
  • Group stage matches on Fox, FS1, Telemundo, and Universo
  • Knockout stage primetime matches on main Fox channel
  • Final on Fox (English) and Telemundo (Spanish)

Canada

CTV, TSN & RDS (English & French)

CTV (Bell Media) holds English broadcast rights and will show every match free-to-air. TSN and TSN Direct stream all matches online for subscribers.

RDS carries French-language rights for Quebec and French-speaking Canada.

Streaming — TSN Direct

TSN Direct ($8/month) gives access to all World Cup matches without a full cable subscription — the best value option for Canadian fans.

Key details:

  • CTV shows major matches free-to-air
  • All 104 matches available via TSN
  • French coverage on RDS

Mexico

Televisa / Canal de las Estrellas & TV Azteca

Mexico's two major free-to-air networks — Televisa (Canal de las Estrellas) and TV Azteca (Canal 7) — share broadcast rights and will air every Mexico match plus all knockout stage games free-to-air.

Streaming — ViX

ViX (TelevisaUnivision's streaming platform) carries full streaming rights in Mexico, with all 104 matches available online and on mobile.

Key details:

  • Mexico matches on free-to-air TV
  • Full tournament on ViX streaming
  • Extensive studio coverage on both main networks

United Kingdom & Ireland

ITV & BBC (Free-to-Air)

The UK has one of the best broadcast deals for fans — ITV and BBC share free-to-air rights and are required to show all knockout stage matches. Both channels will broadcast a combined minimum of 40 matches including every England, Wales, and Republic of Ireland game.

Streaming — ITVX & BBC iPlayer

Both ITVX and BBC iPlayer stream all their respective matches free online. No subscription needed — just a UK TV licence.

Key details:

  • All knockout stage matches free-to-air
  • BBC and ITV alternate coverage of big matches
  • Free streaming on ITVX and iPlayer
  • Full tournament available on streaming (combined)

Australia

SBS (Free-to-Air) & Optus Sport

SBS holds free-to-air rights and will broadcast every Socceroos match plus major knockout games. Optus Sport carries full tournament rights for subscribers ($7/month).

Key details:

  • All Socceroos matches on free-to-air SBS
  • Full 104-match coverage on Optus Sport
  • SBS On Demand for free streaming

Rest of the World

RegionBroadcaster
EuropeVarious — UEFA broadcast deals per country
GermanyZDF, ARD (free-to-air), DAZN
FranceTF1, beIN Sports
SpainRTVE, Mediaset
ItalyRAI, Mediaset
BrazilTV Globo, SporTV, CazéTV
ArgentinaTyC Sports, TV Pública
JapanNHK, Fuji TV
South KoreaKBS, MBC, SBS
Middle EastbeIN Sports
Sub-Saharan AfricaSuperSport, Canal+
IndiaSports18, JioCinema

How to Watch Abroad — VPN Options

If you're traveling during the World Cup and want to access your home country's streaming service, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets you connect to a server in your home country and stream as normal.

Recommended VPN services:

  • NordVPN — fastest speeds for streaming
  • ExpressVPN — most reliable for unblocking services
  • Surfshark — best value (unlimited devices)

Note: Always check the terms of service of your streaming platform before using a VPN.


Full Match Schedule at a Glance

RoundDatesMatches
Group StageJun 11 – Jul 272 matches
Round of 32Jul 4 – Jul 816 matches
Round of 16Jul 10 – Jul 138 matches
Quarter-finalsJul 15 – Jul 164 matches
Semi-finalsJul 19 – Jul 202 matches
Third PlaceJul 231 match
FinalJul 26MetLife Stadium, NJ

Tips for Watching the World Cup

Set up alerts. With 104 matches over 39 days, it's easy to miss kickoff times. Use the FIFA app or Google Calendar to set reminders for every match you want to watch.

Account for time zones. Matches are scheduled across ET, CT, MT, and PT time zones in North America. Early group stage games may kick off at 9 AM or 12 PM local time. Check the timezone of each match before planning your day.

Watch parties. Don't underestimate the joy of watching with a crowd. Sports bars, fan zones, and official Fan Fests across all 16 host cities offer free big-screen viewing with thousands of fellow fans.

Download the FIFA app. The official FIFA app provides live scores, match stats, real-time alerts, and highlights for every match.


Don't Miss the Big Matches

The Opening Match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11 kicks off what promises to be the greatest World Cup in history. The Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 26 will be the most-watched television event of 2026.

Whether you're watching from your sofa or at a Fan Fest with 50,000 fellow fans, this is 39 days you won't want to miss a moment of.

View the full match scores & results → | Find Fan Fest locations near you →

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