Table of Contents
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest World Cup yet — 48 teams, 16 host cities across three countries, and a global broadcast footprint that puts live matches in the palms of billions of fans. This guide explains **exactly** how to watch every match live in your country — whether via TV, official streaming apps, or free-to-air coverage — and gives the practical setup steps you need to catch the action without missing a single goal.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tournament | FIFA World Cup 2026 (23rd edition) |
| Dates | June 11 – July 19, 2026. |
| Hosts | United States, Canada, Mexico (joint hosts) |
| Teams | 48 teams (12 groups of 4; knockout stage expands to Round of 32) |
| Matches | 104 total matches (group + knockouts; expanded format) |
| Final Venue | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA |
FIFA sells broadcast rights territory by territory. Below are the major confirmed arrangements for some of the largest markets and regions. For full country lists, consult your national broadcaster or a dedicated TV-rights page.
United States
Fox (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) hold the primary rights in the U.S.; both will combine linear TV with their streaming services — Fox using its Fox Sports platforms and Peacock/Paramount-adjacent arrangements in some cases, and Telemundo providing Spanish coverage via NBCUniversal platforms. Expect the majority of matches across Fox, FS1 and streaming apps. Fox announced plans for a record number of live matches to be broadcast in 2026.
United Kingdom
BBC and ITV will provide free-to-air coverage in the UK, splitting matches across both networks and their streaming platforms (iPlayer and ITVX). This arrangement ensures broad public access to the tournament across traditional TV and online streams.
Canada
Bell Media (CTV/TSN/RDS) holds broadcast rights in Canada, combining live matches on linear channels and streaming via the TSN app and CRAVE integrations in some packages.
Mexico
Mexico’s rights are primarily with TelevisaUnivision and TV Azteca — expect broad linear coverage and streaming through their respective apps and platforms.
Europe / Other Regions
Across Europe public broadcasters and commercial networks (ARD/ZDF/TF1/M6/RTVE/RAI, etc.) and pan-regional agreements (EBU in some markets) will carry matches — many with simultaneous streaming options. In many countries, free-to-air coverage will be available for key matches. In MENA, beIN Sports holds rights in many territories; in Sub-Saharan Africa rights may be with SuperSport and local partners. Always verify locally.
## How to Watch Online — Step-by-Step (Quick Setup)
- Identify your country’s official rights holder (search “World Cup 2026 broadcast [your country]”).
- Choose the platform: TV channel, official app (e.g., Fox Sports app, Peacock, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, TSN app).
- Confirm subscription or free access (some broadcasts are free; others require pay TV or streaming subscriptions).
- Test your stream before kick-off (check device compatibility: phone, tablet, smart TV, web browser).
- Use backup options: alternative legal streaming apps or radio coverage if the main stream fails.
Below is a practical checklist and setup advice for each device type.
### Desktop / LaptopUse the broadcaster’s web player (official sites like FIFA) or the official streaming app in a browser. Keep your browser updated, disable unnecessary extensions, and test video playback in advance.
### Mobile (Phone / Tablet)Install the broadcaster’s official app (Fox Sports app, NBC/Peacock, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, TSN). Log in ahead of time and enable notifications for lineup and match start alerts. Consider mobile data limits — use Wi-Fi for HD streams.
### Smart TV / Streaming StickMost major streaming apps are available on smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV and Android TV. Install the app and sign in before match day. For stadium atmosphere, cast/airplay from mobile to TV if needed.
- Fox Sports / Fox Sports App — Primary US English coverage; big match slate across networks and streaming.
- Peacock / Telemundo App — Spanish coverage in the U.S. and select streaming windows.
- BBC iPlayer & ITVX — Free-to-air UK coverage with high reliability.
- TSN App / CTV — Canada’s streaming options for matches.
- beIN Sports Connect — MENA and select international streaming rights.
- FIFA+ — FIFA’s platform often streams supplemental content and selected matches/coverage. Check FIFA+ for schedule releases and match previews.
If you prefer traditional TV: check free-to-air broadcasters first (public networks in many countries will show marquee matches). Pay TV channels (sports networks) typically provide every match. If you are in a country with split rights (e.g., two broadcasters sharing matches), both may offer streams — sometimes one free and one paywalled.
- Bandwidth: 5–8 Mbps for HD, 15–25 Mbps for full HD/4K. Check your ISP speed before match day.
- Wired connections: Use Ethernet for smart TVs or streaming boxes when possible to reduce buffering.
- Device updates: Keep apps and firmware updated; older devices may not support HDR/4K streams.
- Alternate devices: Have a phone or tablet ready as backup (mobile streaming often uses separate CDN paths).
- Account access: Confirm login credentials, and set up password recovery options before kick-off.
Planning to attend matches in the U.S., Canada or Mexico? Tickets are sold via FIFA’s ticketing portal and authorized resellers. Expect pre-sales, fan-club allocations, and general sales windows; prices and availability vary by match stage. Book travel and accommodation early — host cities will be busy during the tournament.
## FAQ (Structured Data — FAQPage)“Book early, test your streaming setup, and choose official broadcasters — that’s the quickest route to stress-free World Cup viewing.”
Expert TV & Streaming Guide
When does the 2026 World Cup start and end?
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Who are the hosts and do they qualify automatically?
The hosts are the United States, Canada and Mexico. Host nations automatically qualify for the tournament.
How many teams will take part and what's the format?
48 teams will compete. The format uses 12 groups of four; top two from each group plus eight best third-placed teams advance to a Round of 32, followed by standard knockouts.
Which broadcasters will show the matches in the USA and UK?
In the USA, Fox (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) are the primary rights holders. In the UK, BBC and ITV provide free-to-air coverage. Confirm local channel lineups for match schedules.
- FIFA — Official World Cup 2026 page.
- Wikipedia — 2026 FIFA World Cup (summary & format).
- Reuters — Fox to broadcast record number of matches (U.S.).
- Broadcasting rights — country by country (compiled overview).
- FIFA (Inside) — UK rights: BBC & ITV.
Plan early, secure official streams, and test your setup — that ensures you’ll be watching the action, not troubleshooting it, on match day.
World Cup Streaming Tips
