The FIFA World Cup has officially kicked off, almost four years since Argentina’s victory, and Lionel Messi and his crew will attempt to defend their title against a stacked field. We’ve scoured the viewing options and rounded up everything you need to know about where to watch the World Cup, including free and global streaming options for all 104 matches.
If you don’t want to scroll any further, we’ve got you covered. You can live stream every game on FOX and FS1 via FOX One or a live TV service in the US, for free on SBS On Demand in Australia, and for free across BBC iPlayer and ITVX in the UK, among many other viewing options around the world (which we’ll break down below). You can access your streaming options from anywhere with the help of a VPN. Keep reading to learn more about the tournament, whether you’re hoping to watch from home or attend in person.
Where to watch the World Cup for free
Several countries around the world will offer free access to World Cup coverage. In Australia, all matches will be available for free on SBS On Demand. In the UK, all matches will be split across BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Other regions offer select games for free, often focusing on their national team and major late-tournament matches, while the rest are available via a paid service. In Spain, select matches will be available for free on RTVE Play. In Italy, RaiPlay will offer free coverage of select matches. M6 offers some free matches in France. Tubi in the US also carried a couple of free matches, including Mexico vs. South Africa and USA vs. Paraguay.
Want to access some of these free World Cup viewing options from outside the above countries? We’ll show you how to get around those geo-restrictions next.
How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Live from anywhere
Football fans who are away from the location where their streaming service works during any notable matches can still access their free viewing options with the help of a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are handy tech tools that let people temporarily change the virtual location on their electronic devices. They’re popular among people looking to upgrade their cybersecurity and keep up with their usual websites and apps while traveling abroad.
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Where does the 2026 FIFA World Cup take place?
Typically, the FIFA World Cup is hosted by a single country, but the 2026 tournament will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In Canada, Toronto and Vancouver serve as host cities. In Mexico, host cities include Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey. US host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Who is favored to win the FIFA World Cup?
Heading into the tournament, Spain is the favorite to win the FIFA World Cup. On DraftKings (prior to the start of the World Cup), Spain led at +450, followed by France (+475), England (+700), Portugal (+800), Brazil (+950), and Argentina (+950).
Previous FIFA World Cup winners
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, won the 2022 World Cup. Previous winners include France (2018), Germany (2014), Spain (2010), Italy (2006), Brazil (2002), France (1998), Brazil (1994), West Germany (1990), Argentina (1986), Italy (1982), Argentina (1978), West Germany (1974), Brazil (1970), England (1966), Brazil (1962), Brazil (1958), West Germany (1954), Uruguay (1950), Italy (1938), Italy (1934), and Uruguay (1930).
When and where is the next men’s World Cup?
The next FIFA Men’s World Cup tournament will take place in 2030. Most of the games will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with one match each taking place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. These South American games are in honor of the 100th anniversary of the first FIFA World Cup, which was held in Uruguay in 1930.
When and where is the women’s World Cup?
The next FIFA Women’s World Cup is scheduled for 2027. Brazil will host the tournament for the first time. Spain is the most recent women’s World Cup winner, beating out England 1-0 in the 2023 final. Prior to that, the USA won back-to-back in 2019 and 2015.
How do you get World Cup tickets?
Getting your hands on World Cup tickets has proven to be no easy task. The tournament is incredibly popular, and the initial FIFA ticket release was a bit confusing. Our team has found that some of the best prices and seating variety come from the resale market right now. You can learn more in our World Cup tickets guide.
2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule
- Group Stages: June 11-June 27
- Round of 32: June 28-July 3
- Round of 16: July 4-July 7
- Quarterfinals: July 9-July 11
- Semifinals: July 14-15
- Third Place Playoff: July 18
- Final: July 19