Full World Cup games to stream on YouTube after deal struck with Fifa

Fifa will allow broadcast partners to live-stream a select number of World Cup 2026 matches in full on their YouTube channels following a landmark agreement with the Google-owned platform.

Justin Connolly

Football’s international governing body has selected YouTube as a “preferred platform” for the World Cup, which means more content from the tournament will be available to viewers online than ever before.

For the first time in the competition’s history, media partners will have the option of live-streaming the first 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channel. Additionally, they will be able to stream a select number of matches in full.

The agreement also includes the opportunity to publish extended highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, shorts and VoD content on YouTube to extend the overall reach and engagement of the tournament.

Meanwhile, a “global cohort” of YouTube creators have been tapped by Fifa to create World Cup-related content before and during the tournament, which kicks off with a match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11.

The partnership will also see content from Fifa’s digital archive unlocked on its YouTube channel, including full-length past matches and other iconic moments in the sport’s history. YouTube creators will also have access to this footage to use in their content.

Fifa has struck deals with the likes of CazéTV, the Brazilian YouTube channel operated by agency LiveMode and influencer Casemiro Miguel, which will the 2026 World Cup in its entirety.

” Fifa is delighted to welcome YouTube as a preferred platform for the Fifa World Cup 2026. 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,” said Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafström.

“As the world’s attention turns to the action in Canada, Mexico and the United States, this collaboration with YouTube reinforces our ambition to maximise the tournament’s impact across the ever-evolving media landscape, offering fans everywhere easy access to an immersive view of the biggest single-sport event in history.”

Justin Connolly, VP and global head of media and sports at YouTube, 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 Fifa World Cup 2026.

“By providing official media partners and creators with premium content and unparalleled access, we’re delivering a comprehensive experience for fans and partners alike.”