The 2026 FIFA World Cup is bound to be the biggest in football history. With its brand new extended format of 48 teams and 104 matches, with three host countries – USA, Canada, and Mexico – fans are in for a treat! However, fans like you might be wondering the same thing, especially when you lose out on those tickets: how can I watch the World Cup in 2026 without missing a goal? Well, luckily, there are plenty of streaming providers and TV channels with broadcasting rights for many countries!
In this guide, we’ll be sharing everything you can know on how to watch World Cup 2026, so you don’t miss out on a single kick from your favorite players.
How Can I Watch the World Cup in 2026? Essential Options
If you’ve been wondering how to watch World Cup in 2026, the good news is that there are more options than ever! There are traditional TV channels, of course. But in the digital age, streaming platforms and mobile apps can be incredibly efficient. So, all channels are covered – from traditional to digital. Below, you’ll find the breakdown on some of the best ways on how to watch FIFA World Cup.
Watching the match live on the pitch? Don’t forget to study our guide on Football Stadium Do’s & Don’ts: Fan Etiquette and Safety Rules.
US Broadcast Rights and Streaming Platforms
To watch World Cup in America, FOX Sports will cover English language, and Telemundo will have Spanish language broadcasts. If you’re asking how to watch FIFA World Cup in the US, then all 104 matches can be done so with the following choices:
- FOX Sports (English): Games broadcast across FOX and FS1.
- Telemundo (Spanish): 92 matches on Telemundo, 12 on Universo, with streaming available on Peacock.
- Streaming Platforms: fubo, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Peacock provide live coverage.
Such services are important if you’re looking to watch World Cup live streaming options – especially for those who are always on their feet elsewhere.
Best Subscription Plans
If you’re still wondering World Cup how to watch on a budget and don’t mind paying a few dollars, then you can try Peacock Premium (now NBC Universal). This streaming platform offers Spanish-language coverage of the 2026 World Cup matches for under $11 every month.
Sling Blue is also an option, with English-language options at around $51. Then, for full packages, fubo and YouTube TV can have about $80 per month, while providing to other sports content.
Official Channel to Watch World Cup
The channel to watch World Cup 2026 in the United States is FOX and Telemundo. Both are official and more reliable compared to streaming platforms. Plus, they have high-definition broadcasts if included in your channels.
International Broadcast Options
Now, if you’re a global fan still wondering how can I watch the World Cup outside of North America – fret not! FIFA has still secured major broadcasting agreements with several continents and countries.
United Kingdom
- BBC & ITV: Free-to-air broadcasts for all games.
- Streaming Platforms: BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
- No subscription needed beyond a TV license.
Canada
- Bell Media: Exclusive coverage via CTV, TSN, and RDS.
- Streaming through TSN GO and CTV GO apps.
Europe
- European Broadcasting Union (EBU): Covers 37 countries.
- Check local public broadcasters for coverage details.
Asia
If you’re a fan from Asia still wondering: how can I watch the World Cup 2026, then here is your breakdown:
- Korea: JTBC holds exclusive rights.
- Taiwan: ELTA will broadcast all matches.
- Central Asia: Broadcasters include Saran Media (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan), Normaden Media (Kyrgyzstan), Quest Media (Turkmenistan), and Zo’r TV (Uzbekistan).
- Mongolia: Matches broadcast on MME.
- Southeast Asia: Cambodia’s Hang Meas HDTV will televise games.
- MENA (Middle East & North Africa): beIN Sports provides comprehensive coverage across the region.
Such specific networks allow Asian fans to have that reliable channel to Watch World Cup matches. All through official TV channels and free to paid streaming platforms.
SEE ALSO: Where to Watch FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in India
Latin America & Africa
- Latin America: Coverage by Vrio Corp and local networks.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Matches available via New World TV and SuperSport.
No matter where you are, the answer to world cup how to watch lies in regional broadcasting deals that guarantee wide access.
Regardless of where you are, the answer to World Cup how to watch relies on the regional broadcasting deals. There are still, on top of official channels, you can also watch World Cup live streaming on places like YouTube Premium.
Planning Your World Cup Viewing Experience
Now that you know how to watch FIFA World Cup matches, planning becomes crucial due to multiple time zones.
With your new knowledge on how to watch FIFA World Cup matches, let us help you plan your watching time based on your time zones! Remember, the 2026 World Cup will happen in several host cities, all with varying time zones. So here’s an idea to help you time it right:
Tournament Timeline
- Opening Match: June 11, 2026, at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca.
- Group Stage: June 11–27 across 16 cities.
- Knockout Rounds: June 28–July 15.
- Final Match: July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Time Zone Considerations
If you want to watch World Cup live streaming without missing a moment:
- Download the official FIFA World Cup app for schedules.
- Set alarms for different time zones.
- Use recording features for early or late matches.
It will help to also use time zone convertors to help you compare your time to the time the matches will start!
How Can I Watch the World Cup on the Go?
If you are a modern fan that’s not always tied to the TV screens, then you may be wondering: how can I watch the World Cup while traveling or commuting? Fret not, because mobile apps and streaming subscriptions make all of this easily possible.
- Telemundo & Peacock Apps: Great for Spanish-language coverage.
- FOX Sports App: Offers English-language live streams.
- YouTube TV, fubo, Sling: Work across mobile devices, smart TVs, and desktops.
These flexible options answer world cup how to watch for modern, busy fans.
SEE ALSO: How FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Works (Confeds, Pots, Playoffs)
Broadcasters Around the Globe
Broadcasters in the UK, the BBC, and Australia, SBS, own rights to cover the world. IMG also offers inflight broadcasts and cruise ship broadcasts. This international strategy implies that the question of how can I watch the world cup has as many answers as you want – irrespective of your location, a broadcaster has you covered.
Final Words: Your Ultimate World Cup Viewing Strategy
In case you are still asking yourself how can I watch the World Cup, then it all depends on what you require. The ones with limited financial means who want to watch World Cup will find it best to go with Peacock or Sling, and the insatiable fans will enjoy fubo or YouTube TV.
Local broadcasters provide unparalleled coverage across the globe. You will never need to visit a search engine again on how to watch FIFA World Cup with this guide. Rather, you are just sitting back and you have the choice of which channel you would like to watch the World Cup and have the best football event watching experience!
