FIFA has announced a new broadcast deal making YouTube a “preferred platform” for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The announcement was made on Tuesday.
Under the broadcast deal, rights-holding partners can stream the first 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channels. The move aims to attract younger fans to the sport and encourage them to watch full matches on traditional channels like network television.
In addition, select full 90-minute matches will also be available for streaming on YouTube. Media partners can share extended highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and video-on-demand clips to engage viewers. Shorts and other digital content will also be allowed under the agreement.
The 48-team tournament will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. FIFA expects the broadcast deal to expand the tournament’s reach and bring World Cup action to a wider, global audience.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said the partnership with YouTube offers unique opportunities for media partners and creators. He emphasized that the deal would engage fans in ways not seen before.
“As the world focuses on Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this collaboration with YouTube maximizes the tournament’s impact across all media platforms,” he added.
The agreement allows FIFA and its partners to provide an immersive viewing experience for fans worldwide. By combining traditional broadcast methods with digital streaming, the broadcast deal aims to attract both traditional viewers and younger online audiences.
FIFA also highlighted that media partners can share curated content such as highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, and shorts, giving fans a closer look at the tournament.
Overall, the partnership with YouTube ensures easy access to World Cup 2026 action while keeping fans engaged across multiple platforms. This step reflects FIFA’s strategy to blend traditional broadcasting with modern digital experiences.
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