FIFA and YouTube strike major partnership for 2026 World Cup; check live streaming details
For the first time in the FIFA World Cup history, official media partners and rights holders can live stream the opening 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channels. In addition, select full matches can be streamed live on YouTube by these partners.
FIFA has teamed up with YouTube in a ground-breaking deal that positions the video platform as a key hub for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Announced on Tuesday (March 17), this agreement aims to reach younger, global audiences through innovative content sharing. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will feature 104 matches and is set to be the largest World Cup ever.
First-ever live streaming options for broadcasters
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, official media partners and rights holders can live stream the opening 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channels. This "kickoff" feature serves as a teaser to hook fans, especially younger viewers who prefer digital platforms, before directing them to full broadcasts on traditional TV.
In addition, select full matches can be streamed live on YouTube by these partners. This move marks a shift toward blending linear TV with online streaming. FIFA described it as a “game-changing partnership” to expand coverage and fan engagement.
"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 stated.
"By providing official media partners and creators with premium content and unparalleled access, we’re delivering a comprehensive experience for fans and partners alike."
Expanded content access for media and creators
Beyond live action, the deal allows broadcasters to upload extended highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, YouTube Shorts, and video-on-demand clips related to the tournament. FIFA will also share its archive on YouTube, including full past matches and iconic moments from football history.
YouTube creators will gain unprecedented access to the event. A global group will get behind-the-scenes opportunities to capture content around the 104 games.
Justin Connolly's statement
"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," said Justin Connolly, YouTube's VP and global head of media & sports.
Focus on the US market and global reach
In the United States, Fox holds English-language rights and Telemundo Spanish-language rights. The partnership targets YouTube's massive young user base, helping FIFA adapt to changing viewing habits. YouTube served as a lower-tier sponsor for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, focusing on creator content.
The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. This collaboration builds on FIFA's efforts to boost digital presence ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament.
About the Author
Aachal Maniyar is a Senior Content Producer at LiveMint, where she covers US sports with a focus on major leagues, marquee events, and athlete-driven stories, while also reporting extensively on cricket and global sports. With over five years of first-hand journalism experience, she combines sharp editorial judgment with real-time sports storytelling across platforms. <br><br> Her reporting journey spans leading newsrooms including Thomson Reuters, India TV, BTVI, ET NOW, and CNBC TV18, where she has worked across breaking news, live match coverage, feature writing, interviews, video scripting, and anchoring. This multi-platform exposure has shaped her ability to deliver context-rich sports and business journalism tailored for both television and digital audiences. <br><br> Aachal has conducted and produced exclusive interviews with athletes and public figures such as India cricketer Dhruv Jurel, Indian women’s hockey captain Savita Punia, and industrialist Ratan Tata, along with several emerging and established sports personalities. Her body of work includes in-depth explainers, athlete profiles, emotionally resonant fan narratives, and data-backed match analysis across cricket, Olympic sports, and international competitions. <br><br> She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune, and believes in reporting that is grounded in accuracy, clarity, and credibility. Her philosophy is simple: sports journalism should go beyond scores and statistics, capturing the human stories, pressure moments, and decisions that shape the game and the people who play it.
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