The 2026 FIFA World Cup airs on Fox and FS1 (English) and Telemundo and Universo (Spanish) in the USA, free on BBC and ITV in the UK, free on SBS in Australia, on CTV, TSN and RDS in Canada, and free on TelevisaUnivision and TV Azteca in Mexico. FIFA has confirmed broadcast deals in at least 175 territories. India and China still have no confirmed broadcaster as of May 7, 2026, just five weeks before kickoff on June 11.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest soccer tournament in history. Three countries host it together: the United States, Canada and Mexico. A record 48 teams play 104 matches across 16 host cities from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
This page lists every confirmed 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcaster and TV channel by country. Find your country below and start planning how you will watch.
2026 FIFA World Cup Broadcasting: Quick Facts
| Tournament dates: | June 11 – July 19, 2026 |
| Host countries: | USA, Canada, Mexico |
| Total matches: | 104 |
| Total teams: | 48 |
| Host cities: | 16 |
| Confirmed broadcast territories: | At least 175 |
| Opening match: | Mexico vs. South Africa, Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), 3:00 PM ET |
| Final venue: | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey |
| Final date: | July 19, 2026 |
| Final kickoff: | 3:00 PM ET |
| In-flight and cruise rights: | Sport 24 |
| Global content partners: | TikTok (Preferred Platform, January 8, 2026), YouTube (Preferred Platform, March 17, 2026) |
| Markets without a confirmed broadcaster: | India, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka |
What Channel is the 2026 FIFA World Cup On?
The answer depends on where you live. Here is the short version for the biggest markets.
- USA (English): Fox and FS1, plus FOX One streaming at $19.99/month.
- USA (Spanish): Telemundo and Universo, plus Peacock Premium at $10.99/month.
- UK: BBC and ITV, free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
- Canada: CTV (free over the air), TSN, and RDS via Bell Media.
- Australia: SBS, SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand, all free.
- Mexico: TelevisaUnivision and TV Azteca, free.
- Germany: ARD and ZDF for select free matches, MagentaTV for all 104.
- France: M6 free for 54 matches, beIN Sports for the rest.
- Brazil: Grupo Globo on TV, plus all 104 matches free on YouTube via CazéTV.
- MENA region: beIN Sports across 24 countries.
Keep reading for full details on channels and match counts in each region.
FIFA World Cup 2026 USA TV Coverage and Channels
Fox Sports holds English-language broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Telemundo covers all Spanish-language broadcasts. Between the two networks, American fans get access to all 104 matches.
English: Fox, FS1 and FOX One
Fox broadcasts 70 matches on network television. That is more than double the 34 matches Fox aired in 2022. FS1 carries the remaining 34 matches: 32 Group Stage matches plus 2 Round of 32 matches. Every match streams live and on demand in 4K on FOX One and the Fox Sports App.
Fox airs all three USMNT group stage matches. Beginning with the Round of 16 on July 4, every match through the end of the tournament airs on Fox: 8 Round of 16 matches, 4 Quarterfinals, both Semifinals, the third-place match and the Final. A record 40 matches air in primetime across Fox (21) and FS1 (19). Fox Sports plans 340 hours of live first-run programming across the tournament.
Tubi simulcasts two matches free in 4K with no subscription: Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11 and USA vs. Paraguay on June 12. Tubi also streams the opening ceremony free. The dedicated FIFA World Cup FOX Hub on Tubi launches May 10, 2026.
| Channel | Matches | Access | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox | 70 | Free over the air with antenna | Free |
| FS1 | 34 (32 group + 2 R32) | Cable or live TV streaming | Paid |
| FOX One | All 104 in 4K | Standalone streaming, no cable login | $19.99/month |
| Fox Sports App | All 104 in 4K | Cable login required | Included with cable |
| Tubi | 2 matches plus opening ceremony | Free streaming, no signup | Free |
Spanish: Telemundo, Universo and Peacock
Telemundo broadcasts 92 matches free over the air. Universo carries the remaining 12 matches, mostly simultaneous group stage games. All 104 matches stream live on Peacock for Premium and Premium Plus subscribers, and on the Telemundo App with a cable login. Telemundo plans 700 hours of total World Cup programming, the most extensive Spanish-language World Cup coverage in US broadcast history.
| Channel | Matches | Access | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telemundo | 92 | Free over the air with antenna | Free |
| Universo | 12 | Cable or live TV streaming | Paid |
| Peacock Premium | All 104 | Standalone streaming, no cable login | $10.99/month |
| Peacock Premium Plus | All 104, ad-free | Standalone streaming, no cable login | $16.99/month |
| Telemundo App | All 104 | Cable login required | Free with cable |
For a full breakdown of streaming services and match times, check our complete World Cup TV Schedule and Streaming Guide.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Canada TV Coverage and Channels
Bell Media holds all exclusive Canadian broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. CTV carries select matches free over the air, including Canada national team games, the Final, and the opening match. TSN carries all 104 matches across its TSN1, TSN2, TSN3, TSN4 and TSN5 channels on cable. RDS provides full French-language coverage on cable. CTV GO and RDS GO stream free for cable subscribers.
For cord-cutters, the standalone TSN streaming subscription costs $29.99/month (raised from $24.99 on April 14, 2026). The TSN+ digital service ($8/month) is included with TSN subscriptions and offers additional content. DAZN does not hold World Cup rights in Canada.
Canada opens play on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto. The match airs on CTV with full Bell Media coverage.
FIFA World Cup 2026 UK TV Coverage and Channels
BBC and ITV share UK broadcast rights. Both are free-to-air channels. All 104 matches reach UK viewers at no cost and no subscription is needed.
ITV opens the tournament with Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11 at 8 PM UK time, and airs 29 group-stage matches in total. ITV broadcasts live from the United States for the full duration of the tournament. ITV also airs England vs. Croatia (June 17), England vs. Panama (June 27) and Scotland vs. Morocco (June 19). BBC airs England vs. Ghana (June 23) and Scotland’s group games against Haiti (June 14) and Brazil (June 24). If England progress, BBC covers their Round of 32, Round of 16, and a Semi-Final. The Final airs on both BBC and ITV simultaneously.
UK fans can stream every match free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Scottish viewers can watch on STV and STV Player.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Australia TV Coverage and Channels
SBS holds the exclusive broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Australia. All 104 matches air live and free on SBS, SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand. No subscription is needed. SBS has been the home of World Cup football in Australia since 1986.
Important note: Optus Sport held the rights to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Optus does not hold rights to the 2026 World Cup. SBS is the correct broadcaster for 2026.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Mexico TV Coverage and Channels
Mexico co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup and opens the tournament on June 11 at Mexico City Stadium (FIFA’s tournament name for Estadio Azteca). TelevisaUnivision and TV Azteca both air all matches free nationwide. Streaming is available through ViX. No subscription is needed for Mexican viewers.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Europe TV Channels and Broadcasters
Most European countries get strong free-to-air World Cup coverage. Some markets split rights between a free public broadcaster and a paid sports platform.
| Country | Broadcaster | Free or Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | TV Klan | Free |
| Andorra | RTVE, M6, DAZN | Mixed |
| Austria | ORF, ServusTV | Mixed |
| Belgium | VRT, RTBF | Free |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Arena Sport | Paid |
| Bulgaria | BNT | Free |
| Croatia | HRT | Free |
| Cyprus | Sigma TV | Free |
| Czechia | ČT, TV Nova | Mixed |
| Denmark | DR, TV2 | Free |
| Estonia | TV3 | Mixed |
| Finland | Yle, MTV3 | Free |
| France | M6, beIN Sports | Mixed |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF, Magenta Sport (Deutsche Telekom) | Mixed |
| Greece | ERT | Free |
| Hungary | MTVA | Free |
| Iceland | RÚV | Free |
| Ireland | RTÉ | Free |
| Israel | KAN, Charlton | Free |
| Italy | RAI, DAZN | Mixed |
| Kosovo | RTK, TV Vala, Arena Sport | Mixed |
| Latvia | TV3 Latvia | Mixed |
| Liechtenstein | SRG SSR | Free |
| Lithuania | TV3 Lithuania | Mixed |
| Luxembourg | VRT, RTBF | Free |
| Malta | PBS | Free |
| Montenegro | RTCG, Arena Sport | Mixed |
| Netherlands | NOS | Free |
| North Macedonia | Arena Sport | Paid |
| Norway | NRK, TV2 | Free |
| Poland | TVP | Free |
| Portugal | Sport TV, LiveModeTV | Mixed |
| Romania | Antena | Free |
| Russia | Match TV | Paid |
| San Marino | RAI, DAZN | Mixed |
| Serbia | RTS, Arena Sport | Mixed |
| Slovakia | STVR, TV JOJ | Free |
| Slovenia | RTV SLO, Arena Sport | Mixed |
| Spain | RTVE, Mediapro/DAZN | Mixed |
| Sweden | SVT, TV4 | Free |
| Switzerland | SRG SSR | Free |
| Türkiye | TRT | Free |
| Ukraine | MEGOGO | Paid |
| United Kingdom | BBC, ITV | Free |
| Vatican City | RAI, DAZN | Mixed |
France: M6 airs 54 matches free including all France national team games. The remaining matches air on beIN Sports. Stream free M6 matches on the 6play app at no cost.
Germany: ARD and ZDF share free sub-licensed matches. Deutsche Telekom’s Magenta Sport (MagentaTV) holds full paid rights to all 104 matches. Check ARD and ZDF schedules for which matches air free.
Italy: RAI airs 35 matches free, including the opening match, both semifinals and the final. DAZN holds full paid rights for all 104 matches.
Spain: RTVE airs 28 matches free, including 24 group stage matches with the opening match, both semifinals and both finals. RTVE acquired its package for approximately €55 million. DAZN holds full paid rights for the complete tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 South America TV Channels and Broadcasters
| Country | Broadcaster | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Telefe, TV Pública | Argentina matches and the final on free-to-air |
| Bolivia | Tigo Sports | Pay TV |
| Brazil | Grupo Globo, CazéTV, SBT/N Sports | CazéTV streams all 104 matches free on YouTube |
| Chile | Chilevisión | Free |
| Colombia | Caracol TV, Canal RCN, Win Sports | Mixed |
| Ecuador | Teleamazonas | Free |
| Paraguay | Trece, GEN TV, Tigo Sports, Popu TV, Unicanal | Free |
| Peru | América Televisión | Free |
| Uruguay | Canal 5, Antel TV | Free |
| Venezuela | Televen | Free |
| South America (regional) | DSports, ESPN, Disney+ | Excludes Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay for DSports |
Brazil: Grupo Globo handles primary broadcast on TV. CazéTV streams all 104 matches free on YouTube through a dedicated FIFA partnership announced in July 2025. This marks the first time YouTube serves as the primary digital distribution platform for World Cup coverage in a major market. SBT and N Sports share secondary broadcast rights for 32 matches.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia and Pacific TV Channels and Broadcasters
| Country | Broadcaster | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ATN | — |
| Australia | SBS | All 104 matches free |
| Azerbaijan | İTV | Free |
| Cambodia | Hang Meas | — |
| China | NOT CONFIRMED | Talks deadlocked, FIFA reportedly asked $250-$300M |
| Fiji | FBC | — |
| Hong Kong | PCCW (Now TV) | Pay TV |
| Indonesia | TVRI, RRI | Free |
| Iran | IRIB TV3 | Free |
| Japan | NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV, DAZN | NHK airs 33 matches on terrestrial TV; all 104 in 4K on NHK BS Premium 4K |
| Kazakhstan | QAZTRK | Free |
| Kyrgyzstan | KTRK | Free |
| Macau | TDM | — |
| Maldives | Medianet | Pay TV |
| Mongolia | EduTV, MNB, Suld TV | — |
| Nepal | Acepro Media, Prime TV | Mixed |
| New Zealand | TVNZ | Full exclusive coverage |
| Philippines | Aleph Group | — |
| Singapore | Mediacorp | Exclusive rights |
| South Korea | JTBC, KBS, NAVER Sports/CHZZK | Mixed |
| Taiwan | ELTA, EBC, TTV | Mixed |
| Tajikistan | Varzish TV, TV Football | — |
| Timor-Leste | ETO | — |
| Turkmenistan | Turkmenistan Sport | — |
| Uzbekistan | Zo’r TV | Free |
| Vietnam | VTV, SCTV | Mixed |
Japan: NHK airs 33 matches on terrestrial TV and streams all matches on NHK+ and NHK One. NHK BS Premium 4K carries every match in 4K. Nippon TV airs 15 matches on free-to-air. Fuji TV airs 10 matches. DAZN streams all 104 matches and offers all Japan national team games for free.
South Korea: JTBC holds primary rights and sub-licenses to KBS for select matches. NAVER Sports and CHZZK target digital-first viewers through online streaming.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Middle East and Africa TV Channels and Broadcasters
| Country or Region | Broadcaster | Access |
|---|---|---|
| MENA (24 countries) | beIN Sports | Paid |
| Algeria | ENTV | Free |
| Mauritius | MBC | 34 matches free, all 104 streaming for Rs 300 |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | New World TV, SuperSport | Mixed |
| South Africa | SABC, SportyTV | Mixed |
MENA: beIN Sports holds exclusive rights across 24 countries including Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen and others. A beIN Sports subscription is required.
Sub-Saharan Africa: New World TV holds the primary FIFA rights for the region, with sub-licensing to local free-to-air channels. SuperSport via DStv and GOtv covers approximately 50 countries on pay TV.
South Africa: SABC secured a sub-license through a Hollywoodbets partnership for free-to-air access. SportyTV holds pay TV rights.
FIFA World Cup 2026 North and Central America TV Channels and Broadcasters
| Country | Broadcaster | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | Teletica, Tigo Sports | — |
| El Salvador | TCS, Tigo Sports | — |
| Guatemala | Albavisión, Tigo Sports | — |
| Honduras | Televicentro, Tigo Sports | — |
| Jamaica | TVJ | Exclusive |
| Nicaragua | Grupo Ratensa, Tigo Sports | — |
| Panama | Medcom, TVN Media, Tigo Sports | — |
India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Update
This is the most unusual situation in modern World Cup broadcasting. As of May 7, 2026, FIFA has confirmed deals in at least 175 territories, but India and several South Asian markets remain without a finalized broadcaster.
India Update — May 2026
FIFA launched its India media rights tender in mid-2025, bundling the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. The initial asking price was approximately $100 million. After no serious bids, FIFA reportedly reduced the price to around $35 million for the bundle, then to about $60 million for 2026 alone according to recent reports.
JioStar, the Reliance-Disney joint venture, reportedly offered $20 million for the 2026 rights. FIFA rejected the bid. Sony Sports Network evaluated the rights but did not make a formal offer.
Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, has held preliminary discussions with FIFA. A senior government official confirmed exploratory talks took place. Doordarshan previously aired the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup through a sub-licensing arrangement with US-based partner 1Stadia.
Under India’s Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Act, key matches like the semifinals and final must be shared with the public broadcaster. Even if a private network secures rights late, marquee matches would likely reach DD Sports for free.
FIFA’s official statement: “Discussions in India regarding the sale of media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are ongoing and must remain confidential at this stage.”
Bangladesh
T Sports has been reported as a likely broadcaster for Bangladesh, possibly through a sub-licensing arrangement. The deal is not confirmed at the same level as rights deals in other major territories. Fans should check FIFA’s official broadcaster page closer to June 11.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka
Both markets were part of FIFA’s Indian subcontinent tender that closed in September 2025. Neither has a confirmed broadcaster as of May 2026.
Maldives
The Maldives is separately confirmed with Medianet.
China Broadcasting Update — May 2026
China’s situation mirrors India. Talks between FIFA and state broadcaster China Media Group (CMG, which operates CCTV) have stalled. Market reports say FIFA initially asked for $250 million to $300 million for the China package. Even after a reduction to around $120 million to $150 million, no agreement has been reached.
CCTV holds the exclusive right to negotiate and purchase World Cup broadcasting rights for the Chinese mainland under a 2015 national notice. The Chinese national team did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which has reduced commercial appeal.
China accounted for 49.8 percent of all hours of viewing on digital and social platforms globally during the 2022 World Cup, according to FIFA. FIFA’s official statement on China matches the India statement: discussions are ongoing and confidential.
Global Streaming Platforms and Travel Coverage
Sport 24: In-Flight and Cruise Ship Rights
Sport 24 holds exclusive rights to broadcast all 104 matches on planes and cruise ships worldwide. Carriers and operators include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line and others. Read our full guide to watching the World Cup on planes and cruises.
TikTok: FIFA Preferred Platform
On January 8, 2026, FIFA signed a deal making TikTok the first-ever Preferred Platform for World Cup video content. Broadcasters can stream parts of matches at a dedicated TikTok hub powered by GamePlan. The deal runs through the end of 2026 and applies to all 104 matches across global markets.
YouTube: Preferred Platform Deal
On March 17, 2026, FIFA signed a Preferred Platform deal with YouTube. Official Media Partners have the option to live stream the first 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channels and stream a select number of full matches. FIFA also unlocks its Digital Archive on its official YouTube channel. In Brazil, CazéTV streams all 104 matches free on YouTube under a separate exclusive partnership.
FIFA+
FIFA+ does not stream live matches in markets where exclusive broadcast rights have been sold to local partners. FIFA+ provides highlights, behind-the-scenes content, press conferences and archival footage during the tournament.
FAQ About 2026 FIFA World Cup Coverage
Will the 2026 FIFA World Cup be in 4K?
Yes. Every match streams live in 4K on FOX One in the USA and on most major Pay TV providers. NHK BS Premium 4K carries all 104 matches in 4K in Japan. Tubi streams the opening ceremony and two matches free in 4K with no subscription: Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11 and USA vs. Paraguay on June 12.
Can I watch the 2026 World Cup outside my country?
Your home broadcaster app may block access outside its territory due to regional rights restrictions. A reputable VPN can help you access your home broadcaster while traveling abroad. Always check local laws before using a VPN.
Does FIFA+ stream the 2026 World Cup live?
No. FIFA+ does not stream live matches in countries where exclusive rights have been sold to local partners, which covers nearly every major market. FIFA+ offers highlights, behind-the-scenes content and non-live programming during the tournament.
What time do the 2026 World Cup matches kick off in the US?
Most matches kick off between 12:00 PM ET and 9:00 PM ET. Some Group Stage matches start as early as 9:00 AM PT on the West Coast. The Final kicks off at 3:00 PM ET on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
How many matches will air in primetime on Fox?
A record 40 matches air in primetime across Fox (21) and FS1 (19). That is more primetime World Cup matches than any previous tournament in US broadcast history.
Will the 2026 World Cup Final be free to watch?
Yes, in many countries. The Final airs free on Fox in the US, free on BBC and ITV in the UK, free on TelevisaUnivision and TV Azteca in Mexico, and free on SBS in Australia. RTVE airs the Final free in Spain, RAI airs it free in Italy, and ARD or ZDF airs it free in Germany.
Do I need a cable subscription to watch the 2026 World Cup in the US?
No. Fox and Telemundo broadcast matches free over the air with a standard TV antenna. Tubi streams the opening ceremony and two matches free with no subscription. For all 104 matches without cable, you need either a live TV streaming service like Fubo or YouTube TV, or FOX One at $19.99 per month.
Can I watch the 2026 World Cup on my phone?
Yes. Download the Fox Sports App or FOX One app for English coverage. Download the Telemundo App or Peacock for Spanish coverage. Both Peacock Premium ($10.99/month) and FOX One ($19.99/month) work on phones with no cable login required.
Which broadcaster covers the most countries?
beIN Sports covers 24 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. SuperSport, via DStv and GOtv, serves approximately 50 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. The European Broadcasting Union framework covers multiple public broadcasters across Europe.
What is YouTube’s role in the World Cup 2026?
FIFA signed YouTube as a Preferred Platform on March 17, 2026. Official Media Partners have the option to live stream the first 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channels and stream a select number of full matches. CazéTV holds exclusive YouTube rights for all 104 matches in Brazil.
All broadcaster details are accurate as of May 7, 2026. Some regional rights, particularly for India, China, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, may update before the June 11 kickoff. Always confirm with your local official broadcaster or FIFA’s official broadcaster page.