The FIFA World Cup Begins: How to Watch
The long-awaited FIFA World Cup has officially started! Four years after Argentina claimed victory, Lionel Messi and his team are back to defend their title against tough competitors. If you’re eager to watch the matches, here’s a simple guide on where to catch all the action, including free streaming options around the globe.
Where to Stream the Matches
You can watch the World Cup matches live on FOX and FS1 through their streaming service, FOX One, in the United States. If you’re in Australia, SBS On Demand offers free streaming of all the games. In the UK, you can stream through BBC iPlayer and ITVX at no cost. For viewers in other countries, there are a variety of options available.
Quick Links for Viewing the World Cup
- US: FOX, FS1
- UK: BBC iPlayer (FREE), ITVX (FREE)
- Australia: SBS On Demand (FREE)
- Canada: Various channels
- Germany: ARD (select matches, FREE), ZDF (select matches, FREE)
- France: M6 (select matches, FREE)
- Japan: DAZN (paid)
- Italy: Rai Play (select matches, FREE), DAZN (paid)
- Spain: RTVE Play (select matches, FREE), DAZN (paid)
Upcoming Match Schedule
Here’s a quick look at some of the upcoming matches:
- Germany vs. Paraguay: Monday at 4:30 PM ET
- Netherlands vs. Morocco: Monday at 9 PM ET
- Ivory Coast vs. Norway: Tuesday at 1 PM ET
- France vs. Sweden: Tuesday at 5 PM ET
- Mexico vs. Ecuador: Tuesday at 9 PM ET
How to Watch for Free
In many countries, fans can watch the World Cup matches without spending a dime. For instance, all games in Australia are available for free on SBS On Demand, while the UK has a split coverage between BBC and ITV, allowing you to stream all matches for free. In Spain and Italy, some matches are also free on RTVE Play and Rai Play, respectively.
Accessing the Matches from Anywhere
Fans traveling outside their home country can still catch the games using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This tool lets you change your virtual location, so you can access streaming content from anywhere.
Using a VPN
- Sign up for a VPN service.
- Install it on your device.
- Activate it and adjust settings to your preferred country.
- Navigate to your chosen streaming service and create an account if needed.
- Enjoy the matches!
Watching in the US
All 104 matches are available on FOX or FS1 in the US. You can also stream live via FOX One. Other options include:
- Fubo: Offers FOX and FS1 in its Sports + News plan.
- YouTube TV: Provides FOX and FS1 coverage with special discounts for new users.
- Telemundo: Spanish-language broadcasts are available to stream on Peacock.
Viewing in Other Countries
- UK: All matches can be streamed for free through BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
- Australia: SBS is providing all games through its platforms.
- Spain: Several matches are available for free with RTVE Play, while complete access requires DAZN.
- Italy: Free streaming is possible for select matches through Rai Play.
- Germany: Free coverage is limited to select matches on ARD and ZDF.
Upcoming FIFA Events
Looking ahead, the next Men’s World Cup will take place in 2030, with matches hosted in Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The Women’s World Cup is set for 2027 in Brazil.
Final Notes
As the World Cup progresses, fans will witness monumental matches and memorable moments. Make sure you’re set to catch every game, whether you’re watching from home or on the move. Enjoy the tournament!
