How to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 from Anywhere

The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 104 matches across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Whether you’re at home or travelling, you’ll want to catch as many games as possible — from the group stage through to the Final at MetLife Stadium in New York. Here’s everything you need to know about watching the tournament live.

Official broadcast rights by region

Broadcast rights vary by country. Here are the main rights holders:

United States: ESPN and Fox Sports hold the US broadcast rights for World Cup 2026. Most matches will be available on ESPN+, with selected matches on ESPN, ABC, and Fox. Streaming via ESPN+ is the most convenient option for US viewers.

United Kingdom: ITV and BBC traditionally share World Cup rights in the UK, with free-to-air coverage of all matches. Check the BBC iPlayer and ITVX apps for streaming.

Canada: TSN and CTV hold Canadian broadcast rights. Many games will stream via TSN Direct.

Australia: SBS has held previous World Cup rights in Australia, offering free-to-air and streaming coverage.

Rest of the world: DAZN holds rights in Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Canada, and several other markets. beIN Sports covers much of the Middle East and North Africa. Check your local broadcaster for your specific country.

Streaming services to consider

If you don’t have cable or satellite TV, these streaming services give you the most flexibility:

ESPN+ (US) — The primary streaming home for World Cup 2026 in the United States. Monthly or annual subscription. Required for viewers who want every match on demand.

FuboTV (US/Canada) — A sports-first streaming service that carries ESPN, Fox, and other sports channels in one package. Ideal if you want all 104 matches without switching between services.

DAZN (Global) — Available in over 200 countries and territories, DAZN is a strong option for international viewers who want a consistent streaming experience.

How to watch from abroad with a VPN

If you’re travelling during the World Cup — or if your preferred broadcaster is in a different country — a VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets you connect to a server in your home country and access your usual streaming service as if you were there.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in a location of your choice. When you connect to a UK server, for example, UK streaming services see you as a UK visitor.

What to look for in a World Cup VPN:

• Fast speeds for smooth HD or 4K streaming (at least 25 Mbps)
• Servers in the countries whose streams you want to access
• Easy-to-use apps for smart TVs, phones, tablets, and computers
• Reliable connections during peak hours (match kick-off times)

NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most widely recommended VPNs for sports streaming. It has over 6,000 servers in 111 countries, consistently fast speeds, and dedicated streaming-optimised servers. The NordVPN app is available on all major platforms including smart TVs, iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.

Try NordVPN → (affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you)

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is known for its ease of use and reliability. It has servers in 105 countries, a dedicated MediaStreamer feature for streaming on devices that don’t natively support VPNs (like some smart TVs and games consoles), and fast connection speeds.

Try ExpressVPN → (affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you)

Tips for the best streaming experience

Test before kick-off. Don’t wait until five minutes before the match to connect. Test your VPN and streaming service connection at least 30 minutes before kick-off.

Use a wired connection where possible. Ethernet is more reliable than Wi-Fi for live sports streaming. If you must use Wi-Fi, position yourself close to your router.

Check stream quality settings. If you experience buffering, manually reduce the quality from 4K or 1080p to 720p — you’ll still get a clear picture with far less lag.

Keep your VPN app updated. Streaming services regularly update their detection systems. A current VPN app is more likely to work reliably than an outdated version.

Now that you know how to watch, predict every result in our free World Cup 2026 prediction game — 72 group matches and the full knockout bracket all the way to the Final.