FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, and YouTube have announced a content partnership for the upcoming men’s World Cup, which will allow official broadcasters to stream a portion or full matches on the Google-owned video platform.
As part of the agreement, YouTube has been designated as a preferred platform for the major national teams tournament taking place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada later this year.
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FIFA and YouTube will collaborate to make premium content from the tournament’s media partners and content creators available on the platform.
For the first time in the competition’s history, broadcasters will have the option of live streaming the first 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channel, while they will be able to stream a select number of matches in full.
Outside of live matches, broadcast partners will be given access to a library of match footage across formats. This includes the opportunity to publish extended highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, YouTube ‘Shorts’, and video-on-demand content.
The parties stated that the deal offers FIFA’s media partners more premium content to showcase on their YouTube channels, including “more opportunities to monetize their content.”
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By GlobalDataMattias Grafström, FIFA secretary general, said: “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.
“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.”
FIFA will also provide content from its digital archive on its official YouTube channel – including full-length past matches and iconic moments in the sport’s history.
In addition, several global YouTube creators will be given access to matches and other aspects to provide original content, tactical breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes action.
Before the start of the World Cup, creators will promote the competition and engage with audiences through access to FIFA's Digital Archive.
Justin Connolly, YouTube’s vice president and global head of media and sports, added: “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 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“By providing official media partners and creators with premium content and unparalleled access, we’re delivering a comprehensive experience for fans and partners alike. Whether you’re a hardcore or a casual fan, this partnership will help usher in the next generation of fans.”
YouTube becomes FIFA’s second preferred platform for the 2026 World Cup after short-form video platform TikTok was announced as the first in January – the first time the governing body agreed a deal of this kind for the showpiece tournament.
The World Cup will feature an expanded 48 teams, with 104 matches taking place in 16 host cities between June 11 and July 19.
Mexico will kick off the tournament against South Africa in the opening game.
