The FIFA World Cup returns to North American soil in 2026, bringing the biggest tournament in soccer history to Mexico, the United States, and Canada. For Mexican soccer fans, this historic event represents an extraordinary opportunity as Mexico becomes the first nation ever to host the prestigious tournament three times.
This comprehensive guide covers all the essential information about how to watch every moment of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico, from traditional TV broadcasts to modern streaming options.
Broadcasting Rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico
The broadcasting landscape for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico features two major players who have secured official rights to bring every match to Mexican viewers. TelevisaUnivision will broadcast matches on Canal 5, continuing their long tradition of World Cup coverage in the country. Additionally, TV Azteca has secured rights to air matches on Azteca 7. This dual coverage ensures Mexican fans have multiple viewing options for experiencing every goal, save, and celebration.
The broadcasting arrangement follows the successful pattern established in previous tournaments, providing comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms. These official broadcasters will deliver pre-match analysis, live game coverage, post-match reactions, and special programming focused on the Mexican national team’s journey throughout the tournament.
Streaming Services for the World Cup 2026 in Mexico
Modern soccer fans prefer flexibility in how they consume content, and the 2026 World Cup viewing experience accommodates this through various streaming options. TelevisaUnivision’s digital platforms will offer live streaming of matches, allowing fans to watch on mobile devices, tablets, and smart TVs. These platforms typically provide additional features such as multi-angle cameras, interactive statistics, and replay options.
For those looking to stream matches without a traditional cable subscription, several services may partner with the official broadcasters to provide coverage. Based on previous tournament patterns, subscription-based streaming services specific to Mexico will likely offer World Cup packages closer to the tournament dates.
FIFA’s own digital platform, FIFA+, represents another potential streaming option for Mexican viewers. During the World Cup schedule announcement in February 2024, FIFA’s digital and social platforms provided extensive coverage for fans worldwide. This suggests FIFA+ might offer supplementary content for the 2026 tournament, possibly including match highlights, behind-the-scenes features, and possibly even live matches.
Special Programming and Coverage
Mexican broadcasters typically create extensive special programming around the World Cup, especially for a home tournament. TelevisaUnivision and TV Azteca will likely produce dedicated shows featuring analysis from former players, tactical breakdowns, and coverage of the tournament atmosphere across all three host nations.
The official broadcasters revealed initial details during a special live program in February 2024, when the match schedule was announced. This program provided information about host city allocations for all 104 matches of the tournament, including details about Mexico’s opening match at Estadio Azteca. Similar special broadcasts will continue as the tournament approaches, with programming intensifying during the competition itself.
Mexico’s Historic Role as Host Nation
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a significant milestone for Mexico as it becomes the first country to host or co-host the men’s World Cup three times, following its previous hosting duties in 1970 and 1986. This unprecedented achievement places Mexico in a singular position in World Cup history.
Mexican broadcasters will emphasize this historical significance throughout their coverage, likely featuring retrospectives on the previous tournaments hosted in the country. The coverage will highlight how the stadiums, cities, and soccer culture have evolved since those earlier World Cups, creating content that connects Mexico’s rich soccer heritage with the current tournament.
Match Locations and Broadcast Schedule
Mexico will host 13 of the tournament’s 104 matches across three world-class venues: Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Estadio Guadalajara (normally known as Estadio Akron), and Estadio Monterrey (normally called Estadio BBVA). The tournament opens on June 11, 2026, with Mexico participating in the inaugural match at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Broadcast schedules will accommodate prime viewing times for Mexican audiences, with matches typically scheduled to maximize local viewership. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, returning to the traditional summer schedule after the winter World Cup in Qatar. Mexican broadcasters will provide round-the-clock coverage throughout this period, with programming beginning early each match day and continuing with evening analysis shows.
Mexican National Team Coverage
Coverage of El Tri (the Mexican national team) will receive special attention from local broadcasters. As tournament hosts, Mexico automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and the team’s matches will generate enormous interest across the country.
TelevisaUnivision and TV Azteca will create dedicated programming focused on the Mexican squad, featuring exclusive interviews with players and coaches, training session coverage, and in-depth tactical analysis. These broadcasts will build anticipation before each Mexico match and provide comprehensive post-match analysis after games.
Tournament Format and Viewing Experience
The 2026 FIFA World Cup introduces significant changes to the tournament format, expanding from 32 to 48 participating teams. This expansion results in 104 total matches, providing more soccer action for fans to enjoy. Mexican broadcasters will adapt their programming to cover this expanded format, educating viewers about the new structure and competitive dynamics.
The traditional broadcast experience will benefit from technological advancements, with both TelevisaUnivision and TV Azteca likely to employ 4K broadcasts, augmented reality graphics, and advanced statistical analysis to enhance the viewing experience. These elements will create an immersive experience for Mexican fans, whether they watch at home, at public viewing events, or via streaming services.
Conclusion
Mexican soccer fans have numerous options for watching every moment of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The official broadcasters TelevisaUnivision (Canal 5) and TV Azteca (Azteca 7) will provide comprehensive TV coverage, complemented by digital streaming platforms for viewing on various devices.
As the first three-time World Cup host nation, Mexico occupies a special place in this historic tournament. The coverage from Mexican broadcasters will reflect this significance, creating programming that celebrates both the global nature of the World Cup and Mexico’s specific contributions to soccer’s greatest competition. From the opening match at Estadio Azteca to the final whistle in July 2026, Mexican viewers will have front-row access to every thrilling moment of the expanded 48-team tournament.
FAQs
1. Who holds the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico?
Televisa and TV Azteca are the primary broadcasters for the tournament in Mexico. Both networks secured rights through an automatic renewal clause in their existing contract with the Mexican Football Federation, ensuring coverage of all matches.
2. Will the Mexican national team’s matches be televised locally?
Yes. Televisa and TV Azteca will air all three of Mexico’s group-stage matches, which will be played on home soil at Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) and Estadio Guadalajara.
3. Are there streaming options for Mexican viewers?
While specific details are pending, Televisa’s digital platforms (e.g., Blim TV) are expected to stream matches live. FIFA+ may also provide supplementary coverage, as it did during the schedule reveal event.
4. What time will matches air in Mexico?
Match times will vary, but most games involving Mexico will likely align with prime-time slots. Exact schedules will be confirmed closer to the tournament.
5. How can travelers watch the World Cup during flights or cruises?
IMG’s Sport 24 channel will broadcast all 104 matches globally on inflight and cruise ship networks, ensuring coverage for passengers.
6. Will the opening match at Estadio Azteca receive special coverage?
Yes. Televisa will feature extensive pre-game ceremonies and analysis for the historic opening match on June 11, 2026, marking the first time a stadium hosts three World Cup opening matches.
7. Is there controversy surrounding Televisa’s broadcasting rights?
Yes. Televisa faced a U.S. Department of Justice investigation in 2024 over alleged bribes paid to FIFA officials to secure World Cup rights from 2018–2030. The company settled a related lawsuit for $95 million in 2023.
8. How will the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas impact coverage?
The Dallas-based centre will coordinate global broadcasts using cutting-edge technology managed by Host Broadcast Services (HBS). This ensures high-quality production for Mexican viewers.
9. Can international fans access Televisa or TV Azteca broadcasts abroad?
Access may require a VPN or region-specific streaming subscriptions. Alternatively, FIFA’s global partners (e.g., Fox, Telemundo, BBC) will cover the event in other regions.
10. Are there plans for 4K or VR broadcasts in Mexico?
While not explicitly confirmed, HBS’s involvement suggests advanced broadcast technologies will be utilized. Televisa previously offered 4K for Liga MX, making it likely for the World Cup.
