Written with the help of artificial-intelligence tools and checked by automated controls.
This content was machine-translated from the French version.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup will mark a new era for world football. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, this tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, running from 11 June to 19 July 2026. Its international reach is accompanied by an ambitious television schedule, designed to provide comprehensive coverage of the entire tournament. The organisers, keen to reach as many viewers as possible, are working with a wide range of broadcasters and platforms to ensure optimal accessibility.
In the home countries, broadcasts will be provided by major channels such as FOX Sports in the United States, whilst also incorporating streaming services such as ESPN+. In Canada, public and private television will share the rights, whilst Mexico will rely on Televisa and Azteca. In Europe, channels such as beIN Sports and TF1 (in France) will need to negotiate international rights, with the possibility of repeat broadcasts or dedicated channels. Viewers in Asia, Africa and the Americas will need to turn to their local broadcasters or global platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video or DAZN, to catch the key matches.
In the home countries, broadcasts will be provided by major channels such as FOX Sports in the United States, whilst also incorporating streaming services such as ESPN+.
The extended format of the competition calls for an intense schedule. With one match a day and, at times, several matches taking place simultaneously, broadcasters will have to manage technical and logistical challenges. The group stage matches, play-offs and the final – all taking place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – will undoubtedly be given prominence. However, the other matches, particularly those in less high-profile stadiums, could be broadcast in prime time or during the day, on secondary channels or pay-TV services. Fans could also make the most of catch-up services or interactive content to ensure they don’t miss a thing.
The variety of host cities – from Toronto to Los Angeles, via Atlanta – requires international coordination. Some cities, such as Chicago or Phoenix, could host matches broadcast live on national channels, whilst others, which are less well-known, may be overlooked in the schedules. Time zone challenges, particularly for European or Asian audiences, will require replays or carefully scheduled match sequences. Digital platforms, meanwhile, could offer a solution by allowing viewers to choose the matches that interest them most.
Finally, the 2026 World Cup, as the first event of its kind in North America, could mark a turning point for the television industry. Its rich and varied programme will reflect the ambitions of an increasingly global competition, whilst meeting the expectations of a discerning audience. Broadcasters will therefore need to strike a balance between comprehensive coverage and the quality of the viewing experience, to celebrate this footballing history in all its glory.