The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be the biggest football tournament ever, featuring an expanded format with 48 teams competing across 104 matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For Australian football fans eager to catch every moment of this historic sporting event, SBS has secured exclusive broadcasting rights, ensuring comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms.
This guide provides all the essential information you need about watching the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Australia, from TV channels to streaming options and beyond.
SBS: Your Exclusive Broadcaster for FIFA World Cup 2026
SBS has maintained its position as the spiritual home of football in Australia by securing exclusive rights to broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026. This landmark deal continues a remarkable 40-year partnership between FIFA and SBS, dating back to 1986. Australian viewers can enjoy complete coverage of all 104 matches live, free, and exclusively through SBS’s multiple platforms.
The national broadcaster has committed to delivering comprehensive tournament coverage, building on their highly successful broadcast of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which generated over 80 million hours of viewing consumption.
TV Channel Options for World Cup 26
Football fans across Australia will be able to watch every match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup live on free-to-air television. SBS and SBS VICELAND will serve as the two main TV channels broadcasting all 104 games of the tournament. The expansion to 48 teams means more matches than ever before, providing Australian viewers with unprecedented access to international football.
The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City and concludes on July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Given the tournament’s North American location, many matches will be scheduled at favorable viewing times for Australian audiences, though exact kickoff times are yet to be confirmed.
Streaming Options on SBS On Demand
For viewers who prefer digital platforms or need more flexible viewing options, every match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available to stream live and free on SBS On Demand. This service can be accessed through the SBS On Demand website, connected TVs, or via apps available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Creating an account on SBS On Demand is quick, easy, and completely free. Users simply need to visit the SBS On Demand website, click on “create account,” enter some basic information including first name, email address, password, birth year, and gender, then verify their account through an email confirmation. This straightforward process ensures Australian football fans can access all World Cup content without any subscription fees or paywalls.
Match Replay and Highlight Features
SBS On Demand will offer multiple ways to catch up on matches for viewers unable to watch live broadcasts. Full match replays will be available for all 104 games, including pre-game and post-game shows featuring expert analysis from SBS’s broadcast team. For those with limited time, SBS will provide several condensed viewing options.
These include 30-minute mini matches that capture the essence of each game, 12-minute extended highlights packages offering a perfect balance of key moments, and bite-sized 3-minute highlight clips for the quickest recap of match action. This variety of replay options ensures fans can stay connected with the tournament regardless of their schedule constraints or viewing preferences.
Additional FIFA Content on SBS
Beyond live matches and replays, SBS has expanded its football offering to include a dedicated 24/7 FIFA+ channel available through SBS On Demand starting from November 2024. This free ad-supported streaming TV channel provides premium FIFA football content around the clock, featuring unique documentaries, classic matches, and additional programming from both men’s and women’s football.
SBS also offers the Road to FIFA World Cup 26™ Hub, which provides supplementary content related to the tournament. These additional resources complement the existing CONMEBOL-based FIFA World Cup qualifiers and The Weekly Football Wrap already available on SBS On Demand, making SBS truly the comprehensive destination for football content in Australia.
SBS’s Expanded Football Portfolio
The exclusive rights to the FIFA World Cup 2026 further cement SBS’s status as the premier destination for football content in Australia. Ken Shipp, SBS Director of Sport, emphasized the broadcaster’s commitment to providing high-quality sports programming and expanding Australians’ access to football.
In addition to World Cup coverage, SBS continues to broadcast other major football events and related content, underscoring their dedication to the sport. The FIFA+ channel represents another step in SBS’s ongoing commitment to making world-class football accessible to all Australians for free. This comprehensive football portfolio ensures that fans of the world game can find quality content on SBS throughout the year, not just during major tournaments.
FAQs
1. Where can I watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Australia?
All 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be broadcast live, free, and exclusively in Australia on SBS and SBS VICELAND. For digital viewers, every game will also stream live on SBS On Demand, ensuring you won’t miss a single moment of the action. This continues SBS’s 40-year partnership with FIFA, making it the go-to destination for football fans nationwide.
2. Do I need to pay to watch the World Cup on SBS?
No, SBS provides free access to all World Cup matches. Whether you tune in via TV channels (SBS or SBS VICELAND) or stream through SBS On Demand, no subscription or payment is required. Creating a free SBS On Demand account is all you need to start streaming.
3. How do I set up SBS On Demand for streaming?
Setting up SBS On Demand is simple. Visit the SBS On Demand website, click “Create Account,” and enter your first name, email, password, birth year, and gender. Verify your account via the confirmation email sent to you, and you’re ready to stream. The service is compatible with smart TVs, mobile apps, and web browsers.
4. What if I miss a live match?
SBS On Demand offers full replays of all 104 matches, including pre- and post-game analysis. For quicker catch-ups, condensed 30-minute mini-matches, 12-minute extended highlights, and 3-minute bite-sized recaps will also be available. These options ensure you can stay updated even with a busy schedule.
5. Will the time zones affect match schedules in Australia?
The tournament’s North American locations mean matches will span multiple time zones, but SBS has confirmed many games will air at favorable times for Australian audiences. Exact kickoff times are still to be announced, but replays and highlights will accommodate viewers in all time zones.
6. Can I watch the World Cup on my mobile device?
Yes! SBS On Demand apps are available for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to stream matches anywhere. The service also supports casting to TVs via Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung Smart TVs.
7. What additional content does SBS offer for football fans?
Beyond live matches, SBS provides a 24/7 FIFA+ channel (launching November 2024) featuring documentaries, classic matches, and exclusive content. The “Road to FIFA World Cup 26™ Hub” offers qualifier coverage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage, making SBS a year-round football hub.
8. How can I get updates about match schedules and news?
Subscribe to SBS newsletters or enable push notifications in the SBS On Demand app. These alerts will notify you about match start times, goals, and key tournament updates directly to your device.
9. Are there options for non-English speakers?
SBS often provides multicultural broadcasting support, including commentary in other languages. While specific details for 2026 are yet to be announced, past tournaments included options for diverse audiences, so stay tuned for updates.
10. Will the Socceroos’ qualifiers be shown on SBS?
Yes! SBS broadcasts FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including Socceroos matches. Recent qualifiers against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia aired on SBS platforms, and this coverage will continue through the 2026 campaign.
