The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest tournament in football history, featuring an expanded format and a record-breaking 104 matches across the competition.
Fans in the United Kingdom have every reason to celebrate, as every single one of those 104 matches will be broadcast free-to-air throughout the tournament.
Broadcasting rights in the UK are shared between BBC and ITV, meaning viewers have two major national broadcasters covering the full slate of fixtures.
Matches will air on both BBC and ITV’s traditional linear television channels, accessible to anyone with a standard aerial broadcast connection across the country.
Streaming is also fully covered, with BBC iPlayer and ITVX offering every match online at no cost to viewers, making access easier than ever before.
One notable upgrade for this tournament is picture quality, with iPlayer offering coverage in 4K HLG HDR, a step up from what was available during Euro 2024.
Viewers who want the sharpest possible image will need a compatible screen and a strong enough internet connection to take advantage of the 4K streaming option.
Australian fans are equally well catered for, with every FIFA World Cup 2026 game set to broadcast for free in Australia thanks to SBS.
Those who have cut the cord on traditional television in Australia can stream every match through the SBS On Demand service and its dedicated app.
For supporters travelling abroad during the tournament, a VPN, or virtual private network, can allow access to familiar home streams from anywhere in the world.
A VPN works by setting a device to appear as though it is located in a different country, bypassing regional restrictions on streaming platforms.
With free broadcast deals locked in across multiple countries and streaming options more accessible than ever, the 2026 World Cup looks set to reach a record global audience.
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