How to Watch 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoff Draw: TV Channels & Live Stream

The 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff draw happens on November 20, 2025 at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. This critical event determines which 22 teams get one final shot at reaching next summer’s tournament.

You can watch through 27 different channels and streaming platforms worldwide. Many options cost nothing at all.

When does the Playoff Draw Happen?

The draw ceremony starts at 13:00 CET on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Here are the start times for major regions around the world:

• London (GMT): 12:00 PM
• New York (ET): 7:00 AM
• Los Angeles (PT): 4:00 AM
• Sydney (AEDT): 11:00 PM

The ceremony will last about 1-2 hours. Two separate draws take place back to back. First comes the intercontinental playoff draw with 6 teams competing for 2 World Cup spots. Then the UEFA European playoff draw follows with 16 teams fighting for 4 berths.

Watch the Playoff Draw Free on FIFA+ and YouTube

You need no subscription to watch the playoff draw. Several free platforms stream the entire ceremony live.

YouTube FIFA TV offers completely free coverage. Search for “FIFA TV” on YouTube and watch from any device. The official FIFA YouTube channel provides live streaming with commentary in multiple languages.

FIFA+ gives you another free option. This official FIFA streaming service requires a quick account registration but costs zero dollars. Visit FIFA.com or download the FIFA+ app on your smartphone or tablet. The service works on computers, phones, tablets and smart TVs. You get HD quality streaming and can choose from several language options.

FIFA.com also streams the draw live on its main website. Just visit the site when the draw starts and click the live stream link. No special software needed.

United States: TV Channels and Streaming Options

American viewers have multiple ways to watch the playoff draw.

English Coverage:

FOX broadcasts the draw on its main television channel. You can also stream through the FOX Sports website and FOX Sports App. You need a cable or streaming subscription that includes FOX to access these options.

Spanish Coverage:

Telemundo provides Spanish-language commentary for the draw. The network holds exclusive Spanish broadcasting rights for all FIFA World Cup events through 2026. All 104 World Cup matches will air on Telemundo and Universo next summer.

Peacock streams the draw with Spanish commentary for subscribers. This NBCUniversal streaming service costs about $7.99 monthly for the basic plan. The Telemundo App also lets you watch on mobile devices for free with your TV provider login.

United Kingdom: Free Streaming and TV Coverage

British viewers can watch the playoff draw at no cost through several BBC platforms.

The BBC Sport website streams the draw live for free. Access it through any web browser on your computer or mobile device. No TV license verification required for the live stream.

The BBC Sport App provides free mobile viewing. Download it from the App Store or Google Play at no charge.

BBC Red Button HD offers television coverage. Press the red button on your remote during the broadcast window to access the stream.

Virgin Media customers get additional options. Virgin Media Two HD broadcasts the draw. The Virgin Media PLAY service and Virgin Media TV app provide streaming access for subscribers.

European Broadcast Channels by Country

Europe has extensive coverage through national broadcasters and sports networks.

• Italy gets free coverage on RAI Sport and RAI Sport+ HD. These public broadcasting channels cost nothing to watch.
• Sweden can stream free through SVT Play HD. ViaPlay Sport Sverige HD requires a subscription but covers all Nordic countries.
• Denmark has TV2 Sport X Dansk HD. The TV2 Play Danmark streaming service needs a subscription.
• Romania broadcasts on Prima Sport RO 1 HD. The Prima Play app offers streaming access.
• Albania gets coverage through Super Sport 1 Albania HD.
• Greece can watch on Nova Sports Prime Hellas HD.
• Slovenia has Sport Klub 1 Slovenija HD while Croatia gets Sport Klub 5 Hrvatska.
• Bulgaria broadcasts on Diema Sport 2 HD with Play Diema XTRA streaming.
• Finland uses MTV Urheilu 1 Suomi HD and MTV Katsomon+ for streaming.

Middle East and Africa Viewing Options

Arabic-speaking viewers have dedicated sports channels for the playoff draw.

beIN SPORTS NEWS provides coverage across the Middle East and North Africa region. This network broadcasts in Arabic and reaches millions of viewers.

ART Motion Sport 1 HD offers another Arabic-language option for the region.

Viewers in other African countries can use FIFA+ or YouTube FIFA TV for free access to the draw.

Watch on Your Phone or Tablet

Several official apps let you stream the playoff draw on mobile devices.

The FIFA+ App works on both iPhone and Android devices. Download it free from your app store and sign in with a FIFA account. The app provides live streaming and full replays after the draw ends.

The YouTube App gives you the easiest mobile access. Open YouTube and search for FIFA TV when the ceremony starts. No login required.

The BBC Sport App serves UK viewers with free mobile streaming on iOS and Android.

The FOX Sports App works for Americans who have cable or streaming subscriptions. Log in with your TV provider credentials to watch.

What to Expect During the Draw Ceremony

The intercontinental playoff draw happens first. Six teams from different continents compete for just two World Cup spots. Iraq and DR Congo get automatic passes to the finals as the top-ranked teams. Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia and New Caledonia must win semifinals to reach the finals.

The UEFA European playoff draw creates four separate paths. Each path has four teams with two semifinal matches and one final. The format pairs top-seeded teams against lower-seeded opponents. All matches use single elimination with no return legs.

Special guests and FIFA officials conduct the draw. Commentary and expert analysis accompany the ball selection process throughout the ceremony.

What Happens After the Draw

Teams learn their playoff opponents once the ceremony concludes. Coaches and players will begin preparing for their March matches immediately.

The next major FIFA event comes on December 5, 2025. The main World Cup draw takes place in Washington DC at the Kennedy Center. That ceremony places all 48 teams into groups for next summer’s tournament.

Playoff matches occur during the March 2026 international break. UEFA semifinals happen on March 26 with finals on March 31. The intercontinental playoffs run from March 23-31 at stadiums in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico.

The November 20 playoff draw represents a pivotal moment for 22 national teams. You have many free and paid options to watch this historic event. Choose the method that works best for your location and device. Set a reminder now so you don’t miss this crucial step on the road to the 2026 World Cup.