The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the largest in history with 48 teams and 104 matches, will be broadcast globally through a network of official rights holders. Below is a detailed breakdown of confirmed broadcasters by country, based on recent announcements and tender results.
United States
In the U.S., Fox Sports (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) retain exclusive rights. Fox will air matches on its primary channel and FS1, while Telemundo covers all games on its network, including Universo for simultaneous group-stage fixtures. Streaming options include Fox’s digital platforms, Telemundo Deportes en Vivo, and services like FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. The International Broadcast Center (IBC) in Dallas will coordinate global coverage, managed by Host Broadcast Services (HBS).
Canada
Canadian viewers can watch the FIFA World Cup matches on TSN (English), CTV, and RDS (French). These networks will share coverage of all 104 games, with streaming available via TSN Direct and CTV’s digital platforms. Toronto and Vancouver will host Canada’s group-stage matches, amplifying local viewership.
Mexico
Televisa and TV Azteca hold broadcast rights in Mexico, with matches airing on Canal 5 and Azteca 7, respectively. All three host nations’ group-stage games will be televised domestically, including Mexico’s opener at Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026.
United Kingdom
The BBC and ITV will split the FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage, continuing their long-standing partnership for major tournaments. Matches will air on BBC One, ITV1, and their streaming services (BBC iPlayer and ITVX). The final and key knockout games are expected to draw record audiences, as seen during Euro 2024.
Spain
A joint bid by public broadcaster RTVE and media agency Mediapro secured rights for €55 million. RTVE will broadcast free-to-air matches on La 1 and Teledeporte, while Mediapro sublicenses pay-TV rights, likely to Movistar Plus or DAZN. This follows RTVE’s strategy to dominate sports broadcasting, including the 2028 Olympics.
Australia
Seven Network and Optus Sport will share coverage, with Seven airing select matches free-to-air and Optus providing comprehensive streaming. The expanded format aligns with Australia’s growing football fandom post-2023 Women’s World Cup.
India and Subcontinent
Viacom18 holds exclusive rights for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, broadcasting matches on TV and streaming via Jio Cinema. This builds on their success with the 2022 World Cup and IPL cricket.
Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
beIN Sports retains exclusive rights, covering all matches in Arabic across 24 countries. The network’s premium sports package will include dedicated studio analysis and 4K streaming options.
Brazil
Globo secured rights, continuing its dominance in Brazilian sports broadcasting. Matches will air on Globo TV and streaming platform Globoplay, with additional coverage on SporTV.
Other Key Regions
| Country | Broadcaster |
| Norway | NRK and TV2 |
| Netherlands | NOS |
| Poland | Telewizja Polska (TVP) |
| Greece | Antenna TV |
| South Africa | SuperSport |
The 2026 World Cup’s broadcast landscape reflects FIFA’s push for global accessibility, blending traditional networks with digital platforms. While major markets like the U.S. and Spain have finalized deals, smaller regions await confirmations. As tournaments expand, balancing profitability and viewer reach remains pivotal.
FAQs
1. Which networks will broadcast the 2026 World Cup in the United States?
Fox Sports (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) hold exclusive rights. Fox will air matches on its main channel (FOX) and FS1, while Telemundo covers all games on its network and streaming via Peacock.
2. How can I watch in Canada?
TSN (English), CTV, and RDS (French) will share coverage of all 104 matches. Streaming is available through TSN Direct and CTV’s digital platforms.
3. Which broadcasters cover Mexico’s matches?
Televisa (Canal 5) and TV Azteca (Azteca 7) hold rights. Mexico’s opener at Estadio Azteca and all host nation group-stage games will air domestically.
4. Where to watch in the United Kingdom?
BBC and ITV will split coverage, airing matches on BBC One, ITV1, and their streaming services (BBC iPlayer, ITVX). Both will share the final.
5. Can I stream the World Cup without cable in the U.S.?
Yes. Use FOX Sports App, Telemundo Deportes en Vivo, or streaming services like FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.
6. Which networks hold rights in India and neighboring countries?
Viacom18 secured exclusive rights for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Maldives. Matches will air on TV and stream via Jio Cinema.
7. How to watch in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)?
beIN Sports holds exclusive Arabic-language rights across 24 countries, offering live coverage and 4K streaming options.
8. Which broadcaster covers Brazil?
Globo retains rights, airing matches on its TV network and streaming platform Globoplay, with supplementary coverage on SporTV.
9. Where to watch in Australia?
Seven Network (free-to-air) and Optus Sport (streaming) will share coverage, building on Australia’s growing football fandom post-2023 Women’s World Cup.
10. Are there controversies around U.S. broadcast rights?
Yes. Fox secured rights for 2026 in a no-bid agreement after FIFA moved the 2022 World Cup to winter, conflicting with Fox’s NFL coverage. Critics argue this stifled competition.
