YouTube has struck a landmark deal with FIFA that will allow rights-holding broadcasters to stream portions of World Cup matches on the video platform, expanding access to younger, digitally engaged audiences.
Announcing the partnership on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, FIFA described it as “game-changing,” giving broadcasters the option to stream the first 10 minutes of matches during the June 11–July 19 tournament.
The short broadcasts are intended as an “appetizer” to encourage younger viewers to tune in to full games on traditional channels such as network television.
Broadcasters will also be able to stream a select number of matches in full on their YouTube channels, allowing them to engage global audiences and promote where fans can watch the rest of the competition, FIFA said.
The financial terms of the deal, however, were not disclosed.
In addition to live coverage, FIFA plans to make parts of its World Cup archive available on YouTube, including full-length past matches and other iconic moments in football history.
YouTube, which held a lower-tier sponsorship role at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, previously offered creators on-the-ground access to capture behind-the-scenes content.
For the upcoming World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, FIFA will give a global cohort of YouTube creators unprecedented access to the 104-game tournament.
The partnership reflects FIFA’s strategy to reach younger, digitally native audiences while maintaining the centrality of traditional broadcast channels for full-game coverage.
Source: ESPN
