How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Streaming and TV Channels

Watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup Live

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19. This edition expands to 48 teams for the first time, promising more matches and wider coverage than ever before.

Today's Matches

• Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – June 12, 3:00 PM EDT at Toronto Stadium
• USA vs. Paraguay – June 12, 6:00 PM PDT at Los Angeles Stadium

Broadcast Rights Around the World

Many broadcasters have secured rights to air the tournament in their regions. Some examples include:

• Canada: TSN+, TSN1, CTV, RDS App, Crave
• United States: FOX Network, Telemundo, Peacock, FOX Sports App
• United Kingdom: ITV 1 UK, ITVX, STV Scotland
• Australia: SBS, SBS On Demand
• Brazil: SporTV, Globo, Globoplay, CazéTV
• France: M6, beIN Sports, myCANAL

See a full list of broadcasters by country above to find your local options.

Streaming the World Cup Online

Fans can watch live matches on smart TVs, mobile devices, laptops, gaming consoles, and streaming platforms. Official broadcasters offer apps that support HD and sometimes 4K streams.

Popular streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo will likely carry games in many supported regions, allowing fans to watch without traditional cable subscriptions.

Free Viewing Options

Certain countries provide free access to some matches via national broadcasters and their streaming services. In the UK, BBC and ITV will stream matches free through BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Australians can watch on SBS On Demand, while selected French matches may be on TF1+.

Brazilian viewers often enjoy digital coverage on CazéTV via YouTube. Some territories might offer free highlights and replays even if live games require subscriptions.

World Cup Content on YouTube and Social Media

YouTube is expected to be a major hub for highlights, press conferences, goal compilations, and behind-the-scenes clips. While full live matches depend on regional rights, channels like Brazil’s CazéTV may stream select coverage directly on YouTube.

Social media platforms such as TikTok won’t show full matches but will share fast reactions, short highlights, training clips, fan celebrations, and exclusive content. These platforms also help fans connect and catch viral moments in real time.

Technical Tips for Streaming

A steady internet connection is key to smooth viewing. For HD streaming, speeds between 5 to 10 Mbps are recommended. Full HD or 4K streams need faster connections. Using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi might improve stability and reduce buffering.

Watching While Traveling

If you’re away during the tournament, access depends on your streaming service’s policies and local broadcasting rights. Some platforms allow international access, but others restrict content outside certain countries. Checking ahead with your provider helps avoid surprises.

Competition Structure

The tournament starts with 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-place finishers move into a new Round of 32 knockout stage. After that, the competition continues through the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and then the final.

FAQs

• When and where is the World Cup? June 11 to July 19, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
• How many teams participate? 48 teams, an increase from 32.
• What is the format? 12 groups of four, advancing to a 32-team knockout round.
• How many matches? 104 total matches, up from 64 in past editions.
• How big are team rosters? Between 23 and 26 players.
• Where is the final held? MetLife Stadium on July 19.