FIFA strikes landmark deal to force huge change to BBC and ITV World Cup 2026 matches
FIFA have announced a deal to show the start of every World Cup 2026 match live on YouTube. The official broadcasters will be allowed to show the opening 10 minutes of games on the platform in a move to target younger fans.
The BBC and ITV will show the tournament on free-to-air TV channels in the UK. However, under FIFA’s deal with YouTube, the broadcasters will also be able to live stream the first 10 minutes of their respective matches on the video platform.
The official broadcasters will also be permitted to show a select number of full World Cup 2026 games on YouTube. FIFA hopes that the deal will make the start of games available to a wider global audience, who will then seek out traditional TV channels to watch the rest of the action.
The governing body is targeting a younger audience who may consume football content across digital platforms, rather than linear TV. As part of its efforts to engage a younger demographic, FIFA will also give a group of content creators unique access during the World Cup.
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Announcing FIFA’s landmark broadcast deal, Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said: “Fifa is delighted to welcome YouTube as a Preferred Platform for the World Cup 2026.
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“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.
“As the world ’s attention turns to the action in Canada, Mexico and the United States, this collaboration reinforces our ambition to maximise the tournament’s impact and offer fans everywhere easy access to the biggest event in sport.”
The BBC and ITV will still be showing games on live TV and via their respective streaming platforms. However, the deal means that a select number of games will also be shown live in full on their YouTube channels.
In addition, FIFA’s broadcast partners will be able to post extended highlights, behind-the-scenes clips and shorts on their YouTube platforms. Meanwhile, YouTube echoed FIFA’s message of wanting the sport to reach a wider audience.
Justin Connolly, the platform’s global head of media and sports, said: “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.
“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.”
The opening match of the World Cup 2026 is Mexico vs South Africa on June 11. There will be 48 teams competing and 104 games played in total, including the final on July 19.
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