The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be the most spectacular edition of the tournament yet, with 48 nations competing across North America in an expanded format that will deliver more matches, more drama, and more unforgettable football moments.
As reported by FIFA and previously the Official Broadcaster for the last men’s World Cup, the linear broadcasts of 509.8 million viewers on CCTV-China will reach over 509.8 million viewers in this current men’s World Cup, while total viewers of all digital and social content will reach over 1.16 billion individuals globally.
According to official press documentation released by soccer’s governing body, Mattias Grafström, Secretary General of FIFA, stated:
“The Chinese market is of very big importance to the global football community. We know the passion of Chinese football fans, and we’re very happy and proud of our partnership with CMG to bring the FIFA World Cup to all fans in China. CMG are at the forefront of broadcast technology, so we’re really looking forward to taking this FIFA World Cup, the first with 48 teams, to the next level.”
CCTV is the national TV network of the People’s Republic of China and limits access to the content within China. However, you can access CCTV if you are outside China, PureVPN connects you to a server in China to overcome regional access hurdles and watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 on CCTV from anywhere.
Why Do You Need VPN to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 on CCTV
You need a VPN to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 on CCTV’s digital streaming service. Regional limitations cause it to be inaccessible in certain regions. If your IP address is not located within the country, you might get an error message on your screen. CCTV+ will check the IP address you have used to connect to the Internet and see if your location is within China.
If it is determined that your IP address is not located within China, you cannot view live events associated with the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, with PureVPN’s vast and optimized network and its well-maintained high-speed servers, you can bypass the restrictions and view CCTV+ live streaming of the entire FIFA World Cup tournament without any interruptions.
How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 on CCTV
For football fans outside of China seeking to look into China Media Group’s expansive, free broadcast coverage, navigating regional content restrictions is the major hurdle. By using PureVPN, you can bypass geographical limitations and stream the matches seamlessly in high definition on CCTV.
Secure a VPN Subscription
Navigate to PureVPN’s official website and sign up for a suitable plan that fulfills your viewing needs. Download and install PureVPN on your desired device.
Connect to a Server in China
Launch the PureVPN app and sign in with your credentials. Search for a China server and connect to it.
Download the CCTV App
From your device’s Play Store, download the CCTV app (or the CCTV-5 sports app/Yangshipin digital platform). Launch the CCTV app and navigate to the sports section or look for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Easy Access to Live World Cup Feed
Choose the high-definition Live Matches portal to view the schedule for streaming and to connect to the live feeds. Choose the match (high-profile group stage games or tournament final) to enjoy your free live broadcast. Keep PureVPN running in the background for all of your streaming sessions to ensure that you have a stable, encrypted connection during your entire streaming session.
Where to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 on CCTV on Other Devices?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available to stream across multiple devices on CCTV. However, you will need PureVPN to securely access and watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 on CCTV.
Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 on Android Devices (Phones & Tablets)
To enjoy free broadcasting of the tournament, download the CCTV+ app for free or access the CCTV website using Chrome. Install PureVPN; log into PureVPN, connect to a China server, then launch CCTV to watch live streams in HD.
Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 on iOS Devices (iPhones & iPad)
Download the PureVPN app, log in with your credentials, and select a server within China. Then launch either the CCTV app or access via Safari browser via the CCTV website. Choose the match you want to view and enjoy watching without any hassles.
Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 on Roku
To access CCTV+ using PureVPN, you should configure the VPN connection on your internet router. After configuring the router to connect to a China server location, devices connecting to it will automatically have their internet traffic routed to China and be able to connect to CCTV.
Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 on Xbox One
To get to the official CCTV website, which is also the platform’s digital hub, you will need to access the site via Microsoft Edge from the console’s main menu.
PureVPN does not have a native application for Xbox. To run PureVPN on an Xbox console, you’ll need to connect to a China server via one of two methods: either install and set up PureVPN on your home wireless router and connect the console to the router, or share your PC/Mac’s internet connection from a PureVPN-enabled device with an ethernet cable.
The FIFA Fan Festival is BACK for 2026. 🎉
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 3, 2026
Where you don’t just watch football … you feel it. Visit https://t.co/zJTWWlvUsi for more information.#FIFAFanFestival #FIFAWorldCup
Replays and On-Demand Options for FIFA World Cup 2026 on CCTV
CCTV offers full-match replays, highlights, condensed matches, and analysis through the CCTV App, Yangshipin (央视频), and CCTV.com. Viewers can watch missed games on demand with high-definition playback.
Additional highlights and catch-up content are also available on partner platforms such as Migu Video and Xiaohongshu, which provides live streams, replays, and short-form World Cup clips.
FIFA World Cup 2026: The Biggest Football Tournament in History
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be the most ambitious and expansive edition of football’s grandest stage. The 23rd edition of the tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
For the first time ever, three nations are co-hosting the World Cup; a milestone that reflects both the scale of the event and the growing global footprint of the beautiful game.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Format Explained: 48 Nations, 104 Matches
An expanded World Cup will feature 48 teams, 16 more than in Qatar 2022, and take place across three host nations for the first time. This expansion fundamentally changes the tournament’s structure.
The competition now consists of 12 groups of four teams, with each team playing three matches in their respective groups. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament will advance to the knockout Round of 32.
With 32 teams advancing, the knockout stage now includes a Round of 32, a Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, meaning there will be 104 matches in total, 40 more than in Qatar. As a result, the 2026 World Cup will last 39 days instead of the roughly 32 days of previous tournaments.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule
| Date | Day | Match |
|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2026 | Friday | Mexico vs South Africa |
| June 12, 2026 | Friday | South Korea vs Czechia |
| June 13, 2026 | Saturday | Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina |
| June 13, 2026 | Saturday | United States vs Paraguay |
| June 14, 2026 | Sunday | Qatar vs Switzerland |
| June 14, 2026 | Sunday | Brazil vs Morocco |
| June 14, 2026 | Sunday | Haiti vs Scotland |
| June 14, 2026 | Sunday | Australia vs Türkiye |
| June 14, 2026 | Sunday | Germany vs Curaçao |
| June 15, 2026 | Monday | Netherlands vs Japan |
| June 15, 2026 | Monday | Ivory Coast vs Ecuador |
| June 15, 2026 | Monday | Sweden vs Tunisia |
| June 15, 2026 | Monday | Spain vs Cape Verde |
16 Host Cities Across 3 Nations in FIFA World Cup 2026
There will be 16 host cities in total, with 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
The cities where these games will take place include Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara in Mexico; and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, and New York/New Jersey in the United States.
The opening match is especially historic. The tournament kicks off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico will face South Africa, making it one of the most iconic venues in World Cup history, and the first stadium to host games at three different men’s World Cups.
The final is set for an equally iconic setting. The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which has been rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium for the event in order to comply with FIFA’s corporate name policy.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed the 2026 World Cup final will have a half-time show. Coldplay will be involved in putting together the event at MetLife Stadium, in a move inspired by the NFL’s Super Bowl.
The Stars to Watch in FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup features a massive mix of established superstars and next-generation talent. Here are the names central to the tournament conversation:
Established Legends
- Lionel Messi — Argentina’s captain, widely expected to play his final World Cup
- Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal’s all-time icon, also likely bowing out on the biggest stage
Elite Europeans
- Kylian Mbappé — France’s generational superstar and title favourite
- Erling Haaland — Norway’s goal machine making his World Cup debut
- Jude Bellingham — England’s midfield engine and creative force
- Jamal Musiala — Germany’s technically gifted young star
- Lamine Yamal — Spain’s teenage sensation
- Harry Kane — England’s all-time top scorer hunting major honours
South American Powerhouses
- Vinícius Júnior — Brazil’s electric winger and Ballon d’Or contender
- Federico Valverde — Uruguay’s tireless and technically brilliant midfielder
North American Heroes
- Alphonso Davies — Canada’s captain and fan favourite on home soil
- Christian Pulisic — The face of US soccer playing in front of a home crowd
African Star
- Mohamed Salah — Egypt’s legendary forward bringing vast club experience to the global stage
For Messi and Ronaldo, this will likely be their final World Cups, giving the tournament an unmistakably emotional dimension as two of the greatest players in football history bow out on the grandest stage.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Stadiums
| Stadium Name | Host City | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Stadium | Toronto | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 45,000 |
| BC Place Vancouver | Vancouver | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | 54,000 |
| Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | Mexico City, Mexico | 83,000 |
| Estadio Guadalajara | Guadalajara | Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico | 48,000 |
| Estadio Monterrey | Monterrey | Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico | 53,500 |
| Atlanta Stadium | Atlanta | Atlanta, Georgia, USA | 75,000 |
| Boston Stadium | Boston | Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA | 65,000 |
| Dallas Stadium | Dallas | Arlington, Texas, USA | 94,000 |
| NRG Stadium | Houston | Houston, Texas, USA | 72,000 |
| Kansas City Stadium | Kansas City | Kansas City, Missouri, USA | 73,000 |
| Los Angeles Stadium | Los Angeles | Inglewood, California, USA | 70,000 |
| Miami Stadium | Miami | Miami Gardens, Florida, USA | 65,000 |
| MetLife Stadium | New York/New Jersey | East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA | 82,500 |
| Philadelphia Stadium | Philadelphia | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | 69,000 |
| San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium) | San Francisco Bay Area | Santa Clara, California, USA | 71,000 |
| Seattle Stadium | Seattle | Seattle, Washington, USA | 69,000 |
Prize Money and Commercial Scale for FIFA World Cup 2026
The prize money for the 2026 World Cup was confirmed at a FIFA Council meeting in Doha. The prize fund is up 50 per cent on that of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and each team also receives $1.5m to cover preparation costs, meaning every team is guaranteed at least $10.5m.
The United States last hosted the men’s World Cup in 1994, and that tournament still holds the record as the most attended World Cup with 3.6 million fans. But that record will certainly be shattered in 2026 with fans entering turnstiles in three countries.
FIFA World Cup 2026 official broadcasters
Here’s a list of the official broadcasters for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2026 in different countries across the world.
| Country/Region | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ATN |
| Albania | TV Klan |
| Algeria | ENTV |
| Andorra | RTVE, M6, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Angola | Z Sports |
| Argentina | Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports |
| Armenia | Fast Sports |
| Aruba | Telearuba |
| Australia | SBS |
| Austria | ORF, ServusTV, Magenta Sport |
| Azerbaijan | İTV |
| Bangladesh | TBA |
| Belize | Nexgen |
| Belgium | VRT, RTBF |
| Bolivia | Red Uno, Unitel, Entel, Tigo Sports |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Arena Sport |
| Brazil | Grupo Globo, CazéTV, SBT/N Sports |
| Brunei | TBA |
| Bulgaria | BNT |
| Cambodia | Hang Meas |
| Canada | Bell Media |
| Caribbean | Rush Sports |
| Chile | Chilevisión |
| China | CCTV, Migu, Xiaohongshu |
| Colombia | Caracol, RCN, Win Sports |
| Costa Rica | Teletica, Tigo Sports |
| Croatia | HRT |
| Curaçao | Nos Pais Television |
| Cyprus | Sigma TV |
| Czechia | ČT, TV Nova |
| Denmark | DR, TV2 |
| Dominican Republic | CDN 37, Pio Deportes |
| Ecuador | Teleamazonas |
| El Salvador | TCS, Tigo Sports |
| Estonia | TV3 Estonia, ERR |
| Ethiopia | Hagerie TV |
| Fiji | FBC |
| Finland | Yle, MTV3 |
| France (Metropolitan) | M6, beIN Sports |
| France (Ultramarine) | Antenne Réunion, La 1ère |
| Georgia | Setanta Sports, Rustavi 2 |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF, Magenta Sport |
| Ghana | ChannelOne TV |
| Greece | ERT |
| Guatemala | Albavisión, Tigo Sports |
| Haiti | TNH |
| Honduras | Televicentro, Tigo Sports |
| Hong Kong | PCCW |
| Hungary | MTVA |
| Iceland | RÚV |
| India | Unite8 Sports (Zee) |
| Indonesia | TVRI, FolaPlay, Telkomsel |
| Ireland | RTÉ |
| Israel | KAN, Charlton |
| Italy | RAI, DAZN |
| Ivory Coast | RTI, NCI |
| Jamaica | TVJ |
| Japan | NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV, DAZN |
| Kazakhstan | QAZTRK |
| Kenya | Azam TV |
| Kosovo | RTK, TV Vala, Arena Sport |
| Kyrgyzstan | KTRK, Beeline Ukmush TV |
| Laos | TBA |
| Latvia | TV3 Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | SRG SSR |
| Lithuania | TV3 Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | RTBF, M6, ARD, ZDF |
| Macau | TDM |
| Malawi | Azam TV |
| Malaysia | RTM, Unifi TV |
| Maldives | ICE Networks |
| Malta | Television Malta |
| Mauritius | MBC |
| Mexico | TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca |
| MENA | beIN Sports |
| Mongolia | EduTV, National Television, Suld TV, MNB, Mobihome VOO |
| Montenegro | RTCG, Arena Sport |
| Morocco | SNRT |
| Mozambique | Miramar, Z Sports |
| Myanmar | TBA |
| Nepal | Himalaya Sports, Dgo |
| Netherlands | NOS |
| New Zealand | TVNZ |
| Nicaragua | Grupo Ratensa, Tigo Sports |
| North Macedonia | Arena Sport |
| Norway | NRK, TV2 |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Tapmad |
| Panama | RPC/COS, TVN Media, Tigo Sports |
| Paraguay | Trece, GEN TV |
| Peru | América Televisión |
| Philippines | Aleph Arena, TAP DMV, Cignal PPV |
| Poland | TVP |
| Portugal | Sport TV, RTP, SIC, TVI, LiveModeTV |
| Romania | Antena |
| Russia | Match TV |
| Rwanda | Azam TV |
| Saint Lucia | Winners Sports TV |
| San Marino | RAI, DAZN |
| Senegal | RTS |
| Serbia | PTC, Arena Sport |
| Singapore | Mediacorp |
| Slovakia | RTVS, TV JOJ |
| Slovenia | RTV SLO, Arena Sport |
| South Africa | SABC, SportyTV |
| South America | DSports, Disney+ |
| South Korea | JTBC, KBS, NAVER Sports, CHZZK |
| Spain | RTVE, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Sri Lanka | TBA |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | New World TV, SuperSport |
| Suriname | STVS, ATV |
| Sweden | SVT, TV4 |
| Switzerland | SRG SSR |
| Taiwan | ELTA, EBC, TTV |
| Tajikistan | Varzish TV |
| Tanzania | Azam TV |
| Thailand | TBA |
| Timor-Leste | RTTL, ETO |
| Turkey | TRT |
| Turkmenistan | Quest Sports Media |
| Uganda | Azam TV |
| Ukraine | MEGOGO |
| United Kingdom | STV (Central & Northern Scotland), BBC, ITV |
| United States | Fox Sports (English), Telemundo (Spanish) |
| Uruguay | Canal 5, Antel TV |
| Uzbekistan | Zo’r TV |
| Vanuatu | VBTC |
| Venezuela | Televen |
| Vietnam | VTV |
| Zambia | Azam TV |
| Zimbabwe | Azam TV |
2026 FIFA World Cup: A Tournament for the Ages
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than a football tournament, it is a cultural event spanning an entire continent. The tournament is expected to be the largest World Cup ever by both attendance and scale, and is also expected to expand the reach of football across North America.
With legendary players potentially playing their last World Cups, host nations hungry for glory, and a brand-new format delivering more football than ever before, the summer of 2026 promises to be utterly unforgettable for fans around the world.
Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 on CCTV for Free
CCTV has held exclusive free-to-air broadcasting rights for the Chinese viewers. Fans of football can watch live streaming of the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on CCTV, which has the exclusive free-to-air rights to stream every match of the tournament.
Exclusive Broadcasting Rights
Through its state-run network, China Central Television (CCTV), the China Media Group (CMG) has acquired all exclusive rights for the free and paid airing of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), as well as distributing matches online.
Digital Partnership
Fans will be able to watch their favorite teams play live on CCTV’s linear channels and through digital distribution channels, including the mobile streaming platform Migu and the social media app Xiaohongshu.
Extensive Nationwide Coverage
CCTV is the country’s primary public service broadcaster and is responsible for broadcasting free access to all 104 matches throughout the nation. The broadcaster will provide live coverage of 92 matches on its flagship CCTV-5 sports channel, while utilizing CCTV-5+ to simulcast 12 final-round group-stage matches simultaneously.
Tournament Schedule
The tournament runs from June 11 until July 19, 2026, in 16 host cities throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As the exclusive rights holder of the tournament for broadcasting the matches of the tournament in China, CCTV will utilize its large multi-platform network to provide direct live coverage of all 104 matches to the entire Chinese country in accordance with the demanding North American schedule.
SBS unveils full FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 broadcast plan. Full Details: https://t.co/spcx2in1Wy
— Kevin Perry (@kevinperry) May 25, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
The tournament will be hosted across United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature 48 national teams for the first time in tournament history.
The expanded tournament format will include 104 matches.
The competition will include 12 groups with knockout rounds following the group stage.
Argentina national football team won the previous FIFA World Cup.
Tickets will be available through the official FIFA website
Yes. CCTV is expected to provide free coverage of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in China through its television channels and digital platforms.
You can stream matches online via the CCTV App, CCTV.com, and Yangshipin, subject to regional availability.
Yes. CCTV’s digital platforms offer full-match replays, highlights, condensed matches, and on-demand coverage.
CCTV’s digital services can be accessed through web browsers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and other supported streaming devices.
