Watch the 2026 World Cup with the best free TV apps!

The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, and it promises to be historic. With 48 teams, matches spread across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and a supercharged group stage, the tournament will have the entire world glued to their TVs or cell phones. And the question is simple: What are the best apps to watch the 2026 World Cup, for free and with quality?

Whether at home, on public transport, at work, or on the go, you can follow the games with free, reliable apps—many of which have been tested by millions of users.

Why watch the 2026 World Cup through apps?

Streaming has become the new normal. With the internet in the palm of your hand, you no longer need to be in front of a cable TV to watch a game. live football apps allow you to follow all matches with high quality, real-time statistics, replays and even behind-the-scenes footage of the national teams.

And the best part: many are free, legal, and work globally. Whether you're in the United States, Brazil, Europe, or Asia—there's an app for everyone. All you need is a good internet connection.

1# FIFA+ – the official World Cup app

If you have an application that you You need to have it on your cell phone or Smart TV, and the FIFA+. Totally free, this is the official FIFA platform, which brings:

  • Behind the scenes of all the teams
  • Exclusive documentaries about players and coaches
  • Live streaming of alternative FIFA tournaments
  • Historic matches from past World Cups
  • 2026 World Cup highlights, goals and statistics in real time

During the tournament, FIFA+ will be the official World Cup content hub, with exclusive videos, interviews, updated tables and everything a fan could want.

Available in over 10 languages, the app can be downloaded for free anywhere in the world. Compatible with Android, iOS, and web browsers.

2# BBC iPlayer (UK)

For those in the UK, the BBC iPlayer will be one of the main sources for watching the 2026 World Cup matches. The BBC traditionally broadcasts several matches live, with renowned commentators and high-level analysis.

The app offers:

  • Live streaming of games in high definition
  • Full and compact replays
  • Tactical and post-match commentary with experts

Completely free, just be connected to a UK network and have an iPlayer login. It works on phones, tablets, Smart TVs, and web browsers.

3# ITVX (United Kingdom)

Another British option that will also be active during the World Cup is ITVX. It shares the rights with the BBC and usually broadcasts half of the games, including important clashes.

The app offers:

  • Live games with excellent image quality
  • Special programs about the World Cup
  • Extended coverage with interviews and analysis

Like iPlayer, ITVX is free in the UK and easy to use on any device.

4# FOX Sports App / Tubi (United States)

In the United States, FOX is the official rights holder for the World Cup. FOX Sports App is free for those who have access to FOX channels via cable or satellite TV, and offers:

  • Live broadcasts of World Cup games
  • Comments from American experts
  • 4K replays, highlights, and interviews

Furthermore, the Tubi, FOX's free streaming platform, is expected to broadcast on-demand content related to the World Cup—including highlights, programs, and behind-the-scenes content. It's worth keeping both apps installed.

5# Peacock (United States)

THE Peacock, from NBCUniversal, is another alternative for those in the US. While not all programming is free, there is a basic plan. free, which offers:

  • Extended World Cup coverage
  • Analysis and debate programs
  • Reruns and highlights

The premium version is cheap and gives you access to more content, but you can enjoy a lot without paying anything.

6# RaiPlay (Italy)

For those in Italy, the RaiPlay is the best option. It broadcasts World Cup matches live and offers free access to all content.

You can watch:

  • Live matches with commentary in Italian
  • Compacts and analysis programs
  • Real-time news

The app works on smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs and browsers, and is free and open to all Italian residents.

7# ZDF & ARD Mediathek (Germany)

In Germany, the duo ZDF and ARD has been broadcasting World Cup games since the beginning. Its apps — ZDF Mediathek and ARD Mediathek — are free and of very high quality.

Both offer:

  • Live streaming of games
  • Full replays
  • German-quality journalistic content and analysis

Available for Android, iOS, Smart TVs and browsers.

8# YouTube (official channels and alternative content)

Not all games will be live on YouTube, but there's no shortage of World Cup content there. Several official channels (such as FIFA, UEFA, Sky Sports, ESPN) and independent channels offer:

  • Game highlights minutes after the final whistle
  • Comments and analysis of each round
  • Behind-the-scenes videos of the selections
  • Documentaries and interviews

In other words: even if you miss the live game, it will be there on YouTube within a few hours — for free and with high quality.

9# OneFootball (available worldwide)

The app OneFootball is a global darling, and even though it doesn't broadcast every World Cup game live, it delivers impeccable coverage:

  • Real-time notifications of goals, cards and important plays
  • Detailed statistics for each match
  • News, lineups and pre-game analysis

Perfect for those who are working, traveling, or without access to a TV, but want to know everything that's happening in real time.

10# Streaming from local operators

Depending on your country, you can watch the games through local TV providers' TV apps. Here are some examples:

  • Sling TV and FuboTV (USA)
  • DAZN (Canada, Japan, Europe)
  • ViX (Latin America)
  • Star+ (South America)
  • beIN Sports Connect (Middle East and North Africa)

Check with your carrier to see if free streaming is included in your plan. In some countries, even the basic package includes World Cup matches.

Will it really be possible to watch the 2026 World Cup for free?

Yes, as long as you know where to look. With the right apps—like FIFA+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, FOX Sports App, RaiPlay, ZDF, ARD, and others—it's perfectly possible. follow the entire 2026 World Cup for free, with quality and security.

And if you happen to be in a country without free broadcasts, you can still follow everything through highlights, highlights, and real-time statistics via YouTube, OneFootball, and FIFA+.

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Published on July 17, 2025