Spanish football fans can celebrate as RTVE and Mediapro have secured the broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This major sporting event, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will bring 104 matches to Spanish screens through various viewing options.
The tournament marks a significant expansion with 48 teams competing for the first time in World Cup history. Spanish viewers can look forward to comprehensive coverage across free-to-air television and potential streaming platforms.
Spanish Broadcasting Rights for FIFA World Cup 2026
The broadcasting landscape for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Spain has been finalized after an intense bidding process. Spanish public service broadcaster RTVE emerged victorious in securing the television rights for the tournament with a reported bid of €55 million (approximately $60.1 million).
This substantial offer outpaced competing bids from private operators, demonstrating RTVE’s commitment to bringing major sporting events to Spanish audiences. The rights acquisition follows FIFA’s tender process which began in January 2025 with a submission deadline of February 18, 2025.
RTVE will not be alone in broadcasting the tournament, as media agency Mediapro will share the rights through a partnership agreement that enables broader distribution across multiple platforms.
RTVE’s World Cup 26 Coverage Plans
RTVE plans to deliver extensive coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup through its network of channels. The public broadcaster will likely utilize its primary channel La 1, secondary channel La 2, and sports-focused Teledeporte network to broadcast matches throughout the tournament.
This approach ensures maximum accessibility for Spanish viewers who prefer traditional television viewing. RTVE has significant experience broadcasting major football tournaments, having previously shared coverage of the 2022 World Cup and securing exclusive rights to Euro 2024.
The broadcaster’s commitment to sports programming is evident in its broader strategy of investing over €360 million in sports rights from 2025 onwards, which includes not only the World Cup but also Euro 2028, Olympic Games, and other prestigious sporting events.
Streaming Options for Spanish Football Fans
Spanish viewers interested in streaming the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches have reason for optimism. The agreement between RTVE and Mediapro specifically allows for sublicensing to streaming platforms. This provision acknowledges the growing preference for digital viewing options among sports fans. Although specific streaming services have not yet been announced, the precedent from previous tournaments suggests that major digital platforms may secure rights to show matches.
Spanish football enthusiasts should monitor announcements from popular streaming services in the months leading up to the tournament. The expanding digital landscape means that fans may have more flexible viewing options than in previous World Cups, potentially including mobile apps and web-based platforms that complement traditional television broadcasting.
History of World Cup Broadcasting in Spain
Spain has a rich history of World Cup broadcasting that helps put the 2026 arrangements into context. Over the decades, rights have moved between various networks and platforms. During many tournaments from 1962 to 1998, and again in 2022, RTVE provided coverage to Spanish viewers.
Other World Cups saw different broadcasters take the lead: the 2022 tournament featured Mediapro through GOL Mundial, 2018 was broadcast by Telecinco, Cuatro, and Be Mad TV, and 2014 featured Telecinco, Cuatro, and Gol Televisión. This shifting landscape reflects the evolving media environment and the competitive nature of sports broadcasting rights.
Despite these changes, free-to-air television remains popular in Spain, with reports indicating that 78.4% of Spaniards prefer linear free-to-air TV over streaming services. This preference likely influenced RTVE’s decision to secure rights for the 2026 tournament.
RTVE’s Broader Sports Broadcasting Strategy
The acquisition of 2026 FIFA World Cup rights forms part of RTVE’s comprehensive strategy to secure premium sports content. The public broadcaster has committed to investing more than €360 million in sports rights from 2025 onwards.
This impressive portfolio includes the Euro Cup 2028 (€50 million), Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 (€112 million) and Brisbane 2032, Winter Olympics in 2026 and 2030, Spanish National Team matches from 2026 to 2028 (€60 million), Nations League games, and cycling’s Tour de France from 2026 to 2030 (€20.6 million).
The broadcaster has also secured rights to the King’s Cup (€14.8 million) and European Championship Finals (€7.5 million). This substantial investment demonstrates RTVE’s commitment to providing Spanish audiences with access to major sporting events across multiple disciplines, establishing itself as a premier destination for sports programming.
Preparing for Watch the FIFA World Cup in Spain
Spanish football fans can begin preparing for their World Cup viewing experience even though the tournament remains a year away. The shared broadcasting rights between RTVE and Mediapro ensure that matches will be available through both free-to-air television and potentially subscription-based services.
Viewers who prefer traditional television can tune into RTVE’s channels, including La 1, La 2, and Teledeporte. Those interested in potential streaming or pay-TV options should stay informed about Mediapro’s sublicensing announcements. The expanded tournament format, with 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 host cities in North America, promises an exciting and comprehensive football experience.
Spanish fans can anticipate extensive coverage of their national team should Spain qualify, as they did for previous tournaments, including their victory in the recent Euro Championship that attracted 13.6 million viewers and a 78.7% audience share.
FAQs
1. Which TV channels will broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Spain?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be available to Spanish viewers primarily through RTVE, the national public broadcaster, and Mediapro, a leading media agency. RTVE secured the rights with a €55 million bid, ensuring free-to-air coverage on its channels, including La 1, La 2, and Teledeporte. Mediapro, known for sublicensing rights to third-party platforms, may partner with pay-TV providers like Movistar or launch dedicated streaming services. This dual approach guarantees both traditional TV access and modern viewing flexibility for fans across Spain.
2. Can I stream the World Cup 2026 matches online in Spain?
Yes, streaming options will be available through platforms sublicensed by Mediapro. While specific services have yet to be announced, precedents from the 2022 World Cup suggest that platforms like Movistar+ or new digital offerings could provide live matches. Fans should monitor updates from Mediapro and RTVE closer to the tournament for confirmed streaming partners. Free-to-air streaming via RTVE’s digital platforms, such as RTVE Play, is also expected.
3. Will all matches be available on free-to-air TV?
RTVE will broadcast a significant portion of matches on its free channels, including La 1 and Teledeporte. However, due to the expanded format (104 matches), some games may be exclusive to Mediapro’s sublicensed platforms or pay-TV partners. Critical matches, such as those involving Spain’s national team or knockout stages, are likely to remain on free-to-air channels to maximize accessibility.
4. What role does Mediapro play in World Cup broadcasting?
Mediapro complements RTVE’s coverage by sublicensing rights to streaming and pay-TV providers. This partnership allows fans to access matches through additional platforms, potentially including subscription services. Mediapro’s involvement mirrors its 2022 model, where it collaborated with Movistar+ to expand coverage. Their strategy ensures that viewers who prefer digital or premium content have tailored options.
5. How does the 48-team format impact viewing schedules?
The expanded tournament means more simultaneous matches, requiring broadcasters to spread coverage across multiple channels. RTVE and Mediapro may use dedicated channels or time-shifted broadcasts to accommodate the 104-game schedule. Fans can expect extended daily programming, with matches airing across different time slots to cover teams from various time zones in North America.
6. Are there mobile apps to watch the World Cup in Spain?
Yes, RTVE Play, the broadcaster’s official streaming app, will likely offer live matches and highlights. Mediapro may also launch a dedicated app or partner with existing platforms like Movistar+ for mobile viewing. These apps typically support live streaming, replays, and real-time updates, making it easy to follow the tournament on smartphones or tablets.
7. Will RTVE show every World Cup 2026 match?
While RTVE aims to broadcast most matches, the sheer number of games (104) means some may air exclusively on Mediapro’s sublicensed platforms. Critical fixtures, such as Spain’s group-stage matches or the final, will prioritize free-to-air access. Fans seeking comprehensive coverage should consider combining RTVE’s broadcasts with Mediapro’s partner services.
8. Can I watch the World Cup in Spain if I’m traveling abroad?
Spanish residents traveling abroad can use RTVE Play or Mediapro’s streaming services with a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions. However, licensing agreements may limit access in certain regions. FIFA+ also offers global coverage, though availability varies by country. Subscribers to international platforms like ESPN or Fox Sports could access matches depending on their location.
9. How can I stay updated on Spain’s national team during the tournament?
RTVE and Mediapro will provide extensive coverage of Spain’s matches, including pre-game analysis, live commentary, and post-match reviews. The national team, considered a top contender, will likely feature prominently in broadcast schedules. Fans can also follow official FIFA channels and team social media accounts for real-time updates.
10. Where can I find the full match schedule for the 2026 World Cup?
The complete schedule, including venues and kickoff times, was announced on February 4, 2024, and is available on FIFA’s official website and FIFA+. RTVE and Mediapro will publish localized schedules closer to the tournament, detailing broadcast times and channel assignments. Fans can also use the FIFA World Cup app for personalized alerts and schedule tracking.
