How to watch the World Cup 2026 for FREE: Live streams and TV channels from anywhere

World Cup 2026 live streams are finally here. Bigger, brasher and with more of Gianni Infantino's shiny bald head than ever before, the freshly expanded tournament will feature 48 teams, 104 games, 16 venues, 13 different time kick-off times and an unhealthy amount of VAR checks as the eyes of the world are trained on the events in the US, Canada and Mexico for the next 39 days.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information you need to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 online, on TV, and from anywhere.

Three of the favourites arrive in North America with injury doubts surrounding their brightest stars. Lionel Messi injured his hamstring in late May for Inter Miami in MLS and defending champions Argentina will have everything crossed that the Flea will make it to the start line against Algeria on June 17.

Lamine Yamal, the impudent creative hub for reigning European champions Spain, has been sidelined since April 22 with his own hamstring problem, while France captain Kylian Mbappe has featured only sparingly for Real Madrid in the final months of the domestic season.

Elsewhere, Portugal have arguably the best squad depth (but, in Cristiano Ronaldo, must deal with an overgrown man-child as their captain and creaking centre-forward), Germany have talent but seem to lack a killer instinct (do we never learn?), while it will be fascinating what tune Carlo Ancelotti can get from Brazil and Vinicius Jnr.

What about England? Well, Thomas Tuchel may not have history on his side – no manager has ever won the World Cup for a country that wasn't their own – but he does one of the best Three Lions squads ever assembled. Harry Kane plundered 61 goals in 51 Bayern Munich outings last term to leave many wondering whether, this time, it really is coming home.

World Cup 2026 – next matches

Thursday, June 11

Group A
Mexico vs South Africa, 8pm | ITV (UK) / SBS (AUS)

* All timings BST

Watch World Cup 2026 for FREE

The World Cup 2026 will be free to stream across multiple regions worldwide. English commentary will be provided on BBC and ITV in the UK, RTÉ Player in Ireland and SBS On Demand in Australia.

Free-to-air live streams around the world include:

• Australia: SBS
• Belgium: VRT / RTBF Auvio
• Brazil: CazeTV (via YouTube)
• France: M6 (selected games)
• Germany: ARD / ZDF (selected games)
• Ireland: RTE Player
• Netherlands: NOS
• New Zealand: TVNZ (selected games)
• Turkey: TRT1 via Tabii
• United Kingdom: BBC / ITV

‼️ Outside one of these countries? Use Norton VPN to unlock your stream from anywhere in the world — more on that below.

Watch World Cup 2026 from anywhere

Away from home this summer and want to watch the 2026 World Cup? All you need is a VPN, a handy piece of software that makes your devices appear to be in a different location.

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How to watch World Cup 2026 in the UK

In the UK, you can stream every World Cup 2026 match on either BBC or ITV.

Watch World Cup 2026 free on ITVX

ITV will broadcast 51 games exclusively live in the UK, with an account and TV licence required to watch them. If you miss the game, ITV will also make the full 90 minutes (plus extra time and penalties, if required, they're not monsters) available on-demand after full time.

Free Stream

Watch World Cup 2026 free on BBC iPlayer

You can stream 54 matches live for free on the BBC. A BBC account is required with a UK postcode (SE1 7PB) and a valid TV licence.

Free Stream

How to watch World Cup 2026 in the US

In the US, you can stream the World Cup 2026 on FOX and FS1.

Both channels are accessible via Fox's own streaming platform Fox One or via a cord-cutting platform such as YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), Fubo or DirecTV.

Stream World Cup 2026 on Fox One

Fox One is the easiest way to watch the World Cup in the US this summer. The streaming service carries both Fox and FS1 and comes with a 3-day free trial right now. Prices following that come in at $19.99/month.

View Deal

How to watch World Cup 2026 in Australia

In Australia, you can watch the 2026 World Cup on the free SBS On Demand.

Watch World Cup 2026 live and free on SBS

It's all very easy for Australian fans with every game of the FIFA World Cup available for free on SBS On Demand. You will need an account and a valid Aussie postcode (e.g. 2026)

Free Stream

The full list of TV broadcasters for the 2026 World Cup

World Cup 2026: Group A

Group A – Preview

Group A kicks off the whole tournament with Mexico vs South Africa, a repeat of the opening match in 2010 which ended 1-1.

Javier Aguirre's return for a third stint as Mexico boss has settled life for El Tri after a dispiriting 2022 World Cup that delivered a first group-stage exit in 44 years. They're group favourites.

Czechia, in their first finals for 20 years, South Africa (who have qualified for a first World Cup since 2002, excluding 2010, as hosts) and Son Heung-min's South Korea will all hope a comparatively kind draw gets them into the knockouts.

World Cup 2026: Group B

Group B – Preview

Canada's World Cup record is pretty dismal – played six, lost lost – but expectations are higher as co-hosts. Captain Alphonso Davies is struggling for fitness, though, so much will rest on Jonathan David, who had an inconsistent first season at Juventus.

Group favourites are probably Switzerland, who reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals and went unbeaten in 2025. Granit Xhaka is a born leader, with Murat Yakin a tactically flexible coach.

Qatar seek to improve on three defeats at a home World Cup in 2022 and have wound through six coaches since. Ex-Real Madrid, Wolves and West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is the incumbent and will rely on Akram Afif's individual skills if the Maroons are to emerge from the group.

Bosnia and Herzegovina are back for a first tournament since 2014, with 40-year-old Edin Dzeko still going strong. Sergej Barbarez's squad may lack experience elsewhere, but beating Wales and Italy in the playoffs is proof of a side capable of making the knockouts.

World Cup 2026: Group C

Group C – Preview

Carlo Ancelotti is the first foreign coach of Brazil and how the record-breaking Italian boss deals with that pressure will be fascinating. The five-time winners boast fine individuals – Vinicius Jnr, Raphinha, Bruno Guimaraes and an ageing, unfit Neymar – but it's how they coalesce that will determine how far A Seleção go.

Semi-finalists four years ago, Morocco haven't lost a senior competitive fixture since AFCON 2023. The 2025 AFCON final was awarded to the Atlas Lions after Senegal's players left the pitch at the award of a late penalty, with Mohamed Ouahbi coming after what was originally a defeat. Achraf Hakimi is captain and Champions League-winning best player.

Haiti are the group minnows and any goal, let alone point, will be cheered vociferously in a country grimly used to chaos, violence and war. Their last appearance came in 1974, resulting 14 goals conceded.

Finally, 28 years later, Scotland are back. The stunning late show to beat Denmark and qualify for a first World Cup since France 98 sparked huge celebrations and Steve Clarke's side will try to ride the wave of positivity into the knockouts for a first time. Scott McTominay is the goalscoring midfielder any side wants.

World Cup 2026: Group D

Group D – Preview

The US couldn't have asked for a nicer group – now it's time for Mauricio Pochettino's side to deliver. Losses to Panama and Canada in the 2025 CONCACAF were a worry, as are recent dismal showings against Portugal and Belgium, but Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Antonee Robinson are all aproaching their peak. Knockouts is a must.

Paraguay are defensively compact and will be tough to break down – La Albirroja are defined by grizzled Palmeiras centre-back Gustavo Gomez, with any invention likely to come from ex-Newcastle schemer Miguel Almiron. Fourteen goals in 18 qualifiers is a worry.

Australia have reached a sixth successive World Cup, qualifying automatically for the first time since 2014 after an impressive win against Japan. Functional they may be, but in Watford's Nestory Irankunda they have a youngster who could shine.

Turkey are back for the first time in 24 years and boast some serious talent, headlined by Real Madrid's superb Arda Guler. Neither he, nor Juventus schemer Kenan Yildiz were born when the Crescent Stars finished third in 2002, but their attacking philosophy will be the neutrals' choice.

World Cup 2026: Group E

Group E – Preview

Germany may appear to lack the killer instinct of past World Cups, and have suffered embarrassing group-stage exits at successive major tournaments, but the four-time winners remain formidable. Manuel Neuer is un-retired and back in goal, while Julian Nagelsmann will hope Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala can turn it on after inconsistent seasons for Liverpool and Bayern Munich, respectively.

Curacao is the smallest country ever to qualify and the Caribbean island of 155,000 will have been delighted that beloved boss Dick Advocaat returned to the dugout in May, answering a distress call. Leandro Bacuna has Premier League experience at Aston Villa, but there's little elsewhere.

Nicolas Pepe's red-hot end to the season with Villarreal could propel the former Arsenal winger into Emerse Fae's starting XI, while Amad Diallo is a talent who could shine. Les Elephants have never made it out the group in three previous attempts and 2026 represents their best chance yet.

Ecuador were second only to Argentina in South American qualifying, no mean feat given they started on minus three points after previously using falsified documents for a player. Moises Caicedo, of Chelsea, is the team's beating heart, with Enner Valencia still scoring goals at 36. A first knockout run since 2006 feels possible.

World Cup 2026: Group F

Group F – Preview

Lapses in concentration have troubled three-time finalists the Netherlands in recent years, but there's no doubting the talent in Ronald Koeman's squad. Frenkie de Jong, if fit, and Donyell Malen offer lots going forward, while Virgil van Dijk captains a solid defence.

Japan became the first Asian side to beat England after a 1-0 Wembley win in March, which is testament to the Samurai Blue's dark horses status this tournament. With Kaoru Mitoma leading the way, a first run to the last eight is possible.

Sweden squeezed through the playoffs after beating Ukraine and Poland, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring four across both games. Ex-Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham boss Graham Potter – who led Ostersund to European football in a past life – has settle a struggling side that can also call upon Alexander Isak and Barcelona youngster Roony Bardghji.

Tunisia have reached a third successive World Cup, but struggled at AFCON earlier this year. In a tough group, the Eagles of Carthage will need to rely on their defence and hope Hannibal Mejbri's dynamism and artistry can deliver.

World Cup 2026: Group G

Group G – Preview

Even at 34, Kevin De Bruyne is Belgium's best chance at achieving on the Golden Generation's potential. Romelu Lukaku isn't match-fit, so Jeremy Doku will need to fire for an ageing squad. Thibaut Courtois is back in the fold after refusing to play for former boss Domenico Tedesco.

Egypt seek a first knockout spot in tournament history with a stout defence and relying on the individual brilliance of Mo Salah and Omar Marmoush. Typically brilliant at AFCON, the Pharaohs need to put Russia 2018's three defeats behind them.

With Iran still at war with co-hosts USA, the 2026 World Cup represents a curious tournament for Team Melli. Leaving the geo-politics to one side, Amir Ghalenoei's side will need Mehdi Taremi to score the goals to reach the knockouts for the first time. That's possible in an even group.

New Zealand were the only unbeaten team at their last World Cup appearance, in 2010, when three draws weren't enough to emerge from the groups. Three points could be enough in this expanded format, though, with Chris Wood (the sole survivor from 16 years ago) vital to their chances.

World Cup 2026: Group H

Group H – Preview

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente will have everything crossed that Lamine Yamal's hamstring recovers, with the teenage winger central to the European champions' chances. Midfield pass masters Pedri, Martin Zubimendi, Gavi, Rodri and more make getting the ball off La Roja hard enough.

Saudi Arabia's 2-1 win against Argentina in 2022 proved what the Green Falcons are capable of. Salem Al Dawsari scored the winner that day and remains the creative linchpin, but a tough group makes life difficult.

Cape Verde's tournament debut is predicated on coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito's defensive organisation and Roberto 'Pico' Lopes, who plays his club football for Shamrock Rovers. Any goal, probably from Rotterdam-born Dailon Livramento, will be greeted like a win.

Two-time winners Uruguay consistently punch above their weight and will hope Marcelo Bielsa's high-pressing zeal can inspire again. Federico Valverde is the on-pitch lieutenant.

World Cup 2026: Group I

Group I – Preview

France need Kylian Mbappe – four World Cup goals shy of Miroslav Klose's all-time record – fit and firing on all cylinders if Les Bleus are to go one better than 2022. Didier Deschamps' side have reach the past two finals, and have more talent than arguably any side with Desire Doue, Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki to complement Ousmane Dembele.

Senegal have struggled to replicate the success of 2002's quarter-final on debut but the 2026 vintage could go beyond even that. A motivated Sadio Mané missed Qatar 2022, with Iliman Ndiaye in top form this term for Everton, plus there's the AFCON 2026 final debacle to put behind them.

Iraq returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1986 by beating Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff. Managed by Graham Arnold, who took Australia the 2022 last 16, the Lions of Mesopotamia are quick in transition but will do well to emerge from the group.

A first World Cup since France 98's run to the last 16 was just rewards for Norway's richly talented squad, led by indefatigable goal bot Erling Haaland. The Manchester City forward struck a ludicrous 16 in qualifying, with Atletico Madrid forward Alexander Sortloth also expected to chip in with a few and Martin Odegaard to load the bullets.

World Cup 2026: Group J

Group J – Preview

Can Argentina become the first side to defend their world crown since Brazil in 1962? It'll need Messi to be fit and at his best, with Julian Alvarez also vital to Albiceleste hopes. Emi Martinez, the goalkeeper with a cartoon face, remains central to the team's general spiky vibe.

Algeria will be desperate for revenge from Austria, who conspired with West Germany to knock the Greens out in 1982's infamous Shame of Gijon. Riyad Mahrez is the biggest name but Vladimir Petkovic's side are maddeningly inconsistent.

A 37-year-old Marko Arnautovic is still going strong for Austria, who have qualified for the first time since 1998. Ex-Manchester United interim Ralf Rangnick has brought his gegenpressing style to Das Team, with a knockout spot there for the taking.

Another first-time qualifier, Jordan saw celebrations go on for weeks back home. Star forward Ali Olwan has made the squad after injury, but Yazan Al-Naimat is out, meaning in-form Rennes Musa Al Taamari will shoulder the creative burden if they're to make it through the group.

World Cup 2026: Group K

Group K – Preview

Portugal have arguably the best squad in their history and the added motivation to win the tournament for the late Diogo Jota. Midfield trio Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves are sublime, but the creaking Cristiano Ronaldo's lack of mobility may come unstuck against elite opposition.

DR Congo's first World Cup since 1974 (as Zaire) is a chance to banish memories three defeats, including a 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia. The Leopards drew in Senegal in qualifying, before kncoking out Cameroon and Nigeria in the playoffs. Chancel Mbemba, once of Newcastle, leads a defence that shipped just seven goals in 13 qualifiers.

Fellow first-time qualifiers Uzbekistan were no less parsimonious, with seven clean sheets in their final 10 qualifiers. Centre-back Abdukodir Khusavov enjoyed a fine Manchester City campaign, while Eldor Shomurodov bagged 22 goals in the Turkish top flight for Istanbul Basaksehir.

Colombia finished third in South American qualifying despite a six-game winless wobble that threatened to derail all Nestor Lorenzo's hard work. Luis Diaz is the creative heartbeat, with Luis Suarez (no, not that one) on fire after 38 goals for Porto last term. A repeat of 2010's quarter-final run is possible.

World Cup 2026: Group L

Group L – Preview

Is it coming home? England and Thomas Tuchel will certainly hope so, but recent defeats by Senegal and Japan leave question marks surrounding the Three Lions, despite flawless qualifying without conceding a goal. Harry Kane must stay fit for a side that struggles against a low block and John Stones and Marc Guehi must develop a quick centre-back understanding.

Beaten finalists in 2018, then finishing third four years ago, Croatia still count on Luka Modric, 40, to pull the strings in a side that finds an extra gear at World Cups. This is Zlatko Dalic's swan song in the dugout, with players like Modric and Ivan Perisic who must be nearing the end, too.

Ghana failed to qualify for the 2026 AFCON but Otto Addo has guided the Black Stars to a fifth World Cup in six. Jordan Ayew bagged seven goals in qualifying, while Antoine Semenyo is the undoubted star after a fine first six months at Manchester City. Should sneak through to the last 32.

Panama were humbled 6-1 by England in 2018 and are determined to spring a surprise. Defensively sound, they'll sit deep and try to spring on the break, with Adalberto Carrasquilla the midfield engine.

World Cup 2026 – Tournament odds

According to DraftKings, the 2026 World Cup odds have Spain as +450 favourites, with France at +475.

England are next at +700, with Brazil, Portugal and Argentina all on +900.

Germany are +1400, the Netherlands +2000 and Norway +3500. Colombia and and Belgium are +4000.

Co-hosts USA are +6000, Mexico +8000 and Canada +20,000.

The biggest outsiders are Haiti, Curacao and Jordan, who are all +250,000 to win the tournament.

FourFourTwo's World Cup 2026 – Look out for

⚽ Golden Boot

We've run down the 10 most likely to win the Golden Boot at the World 2026 here.

Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland all feature. And what about a cheeky punt on Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal, too?

🐴 Dark horses

Perennial dark horses Croatia are so deeply embedded into the fabric, they almost don't belong in this category. The Vatreni have reached the final and semi-finals in their last two tournament appearances.

Senegal have a supremely talent squad and a relatively kind draw. Expect them go make the quarters, and maybe even emulate Morocco in 2022 as Africa's second semi-finalists.

The Netherlands don't appear on many people's list of winners, but our writer Joe Baker thinks that should change.

Japan sailed through qualifying and are packed with technical talent. They have a good draw and could go far.

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