FIFA confirms major change to World Cup broadcasting for 2026

Martin Macdonald

• 18 Mar 2026 11:01 CDT
• 4 min read

News

FIFA has decided on YouTube as its 'preferred' broadcasting partner for the World Cup.

The next edition of the World Cup will take place across North America in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

With 48 teams set to compete, it will be the largest-scale tournament in its history and with those extra teams comes lots more games and the need for increased broadcasting scope both on television and online.

The partnership with YouTube will see the first 10 minutes of every single World Cup match be made available on YouTube, while some unconfirmed fixtures will be broadcast in their entirety on the video streaming site.

The deal also permits FIFA's broadcast partners to post highlights, behind-the-scenes footage and other content onto YouTube.

“By spotlighting Fifa’s premium content and unlocking new opportunities for media partners and creators, this agreement will engage global fans in ways never seen before,” said Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA secretary general.

“As the world’s attention turns to the action in Canada, Mexico and the United States, this collaboration with YouTube reinforces our ambition to maximise the tournament’s impact across the ever-evolving media landscape, offering fans everywhere easy access to an immersive view of the biggest single-sport event in history.”

“YouTube is focused on delivering a global, fan-centric, interactive approach to sports entertainment, and we are proud to be a preferred platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026. By providing official media partners and creators with premium content and unparalleled access, we’re delivering a comprehensive experience for fans and partners alike,” added Justin Connolly, YouTube vice president and global head of media & sports.

“Whether you’re a hardcore or a casual fan, this partnership will help usher in the next generation of fans while showcasing that no other platform unites the world around major moments like YouTube.”

There is also set to be an increase in archive content on YouTube, including more full matches from previous tournaments becoming available to watch for free.

FIFA announce that YouTube is the Preferred Platform for the 2026 World Cup.

Media partners will be able to live stream the first 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channel.

And a select number of matches will be eligible to be streamed in full.📺 pic.twitter.com/OAcduy6MEe

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) March 17, 2026

YouTube content creators are set to play a big part in this partnership, too, so expect to see plenty of World Cup-centric content on the site in the lead-up to and during the tournament. This is all part of FIFA's strategy to try and connect with a younger audience, which is why they also have a partnership with TikTok.

“YouTube is focused on delivering a global, fan-centric, interactive approach to sports entertainment, and we are proud to be a preferred platform for the World Cup 2026," Justin Connolly, YouTube's global head of media and sports, said:

“By providing official media partners and creators with premium content and unparalleled access, we’re delivering a comprehensive experience for fans.

“Whether you’re a hardcore or casual fan, this partnership will help usher in the next generation of fans.”

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