FIFA partners with YouTube for upcoming World Cup
FIFA partners with YouTube for upcoming World Cup
YouTube will be able to stream select matches of the prestigious tournament for free in the deal, and will gain access to FIFA’s digital archives as well.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has soccer (sorry, football) fans the world over giddy with anticipation, and the tournament will be more accessible than ever before. Thanks to a new deal between FIFA and YouTube, the free video hosting platform will stream a wide variety of exclusive World Cup content, including select live matches from the World Cup’s TV partners.
Key Details:
- United front: YouTube and FIFA have announced an “innovative partnership” ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
- Full matches: Media partners of the World Cup will be allowed to stream complete matches on their YouTube channels.
- Creator opportunities: YouTube creators will play a huge role in driving new viewers to FIFA content.
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The most attractive facet of the deal between YouTube and FIFA for fans will be YouTube’s ability to stream select World Cup matches live, in full, at no cost. Which particular matches stream free on YouTube will be up to FIFA’s media partners; in the United States, Fox will serve as the primary broadcast partner of the World Cup, with matches airing on Fox, FS1, and [FS2][Fox Sports 2].
Media partners will also have the option of offering the first 10 minutes of every match on their respective YouTube channels, enticing fans to get hooked into the match before prompting them to find the game on a broadcast network, cable channel, or streaming service. Partners will also be able to post highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, Shorts, and more from the FIFA World Cup on their channels.
“FIFA is delighted to welcome YouTube as a Preferred Platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026. 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,” FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said. “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.”
Creators will be able to get in on the action as well, as YouTube and FIFA have pledged “unparalleled access” to matches. That will offer an even more immersive fan experience, especially for followers of YouTube channels that are chosen by the platform as part of its “global cohort” of soccer enthusiasts.
Historical World Cup content will also be made available on the FIFA YouTube channel, including full-length matches from past tournaments and more moments from the history of the sport. The partnership will make for a highly memorable World Cup watching experience for fans, and of course, it will all be free to stream with no subscription necessary on YouTube.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 60 channels for $82.99/month. This plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs) in select markets. The base plan includes more than 100 live channels, including major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as popular cable channels such as ESPN, CNN, FX, USA Network, and TNT. Local channels are included in most markets, making YouTube TV a full replacement for traditional cable for many viewers.
