2026 World Cup Broadcast: Which Channels Can You Watch It On in France?

Broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup in France are split between two networks: M6 and beIN Sports. M6 will broadcast 54 matches free-to-air on digital terrestrial television (DTT), including the opening match, all of Les Bleus’ matches, and the final. beIN Sports will broadcast all 104 matches, 50 of which will be exclusive. For the first time in more than 48 years, TF1 will not broadcast any matches, and DAZN does not hold the rights either. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Key points to remember

• M6 will broadcast 54 of the 104 matches free-to-air, including the opening match, all of Les Bleus' matches, the semifinals, and the final.
• beIN Sports broadcasts all 104 matches—including 50 exclusively—for a subscription of about 15 €/month with no commitment.
• TF1 will not broadcast any matches: a historic break after more than 48 years of coverage of the World Cup.
• DAZN does not hold the broadcast rights in France.
• The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 48 teams divided into 12 groups.

Which channels will broadcast the 2026 World Cup in France?

Two broadcasters are sharing the rights to the 2026 World Cup in France: M6 on free-to-air digital TV and beIN Sports on pay TV. No other channel is broadcasting any live matches. This is the first time since 1978 that TF1 has not been involved in a men’s World Cup.

M6 has secured the rights to 54 of the 104 scheduled matches, making it the tournament’s main free-to-air broadcaster. beIN Sports retains exclusive rights to 50 matches and will also air the other 54 matches already broadcast on M6. To better understand the current situation, check out our comparison of the best sports streaming services.

Which games does M6 broadcast on free-to-air TV?

M6 will broadcast 54 of the tournament's 104 matches—just over half. The schedule includes the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 at Azteca Stadium, all of France's group-stage matches, the semifinals, and the final.

Specifically, M6 will broadcast all three of Les Bleus’ matches: France vs. Senegal on June 16 in New York, France vs. Iraq on June 22 in Philadelphia, and Norway vs. France on June 26 in Boston. The channel will also air select matches as supplementary programming on W9. For your information, M6+ has replaced 6play since 2024 and offers free live and on-demand streaming.

How does the beIN Sports World Cup package work?

beIN Sports will broadcast all 104 matches of the tournament without exception. The Qatari network is the only one offering full coverage, including 50 exclusive matches that M6 will not air. It’s the must-have option for following all the group stages and the entire knockout phase.

The beIN Sports Connect package costs around €15 per month with no commitment and is available via the app on smartphones, tablets, computers, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Smart TVs. The subscription is also available through Canal+, Orange, Free, and SFR. Our detailed guide tothe beIN Sports subscription for the World Cup explains all the terms and conditions.

Want to enjoy beIN Sports without paying the full price? A co-subscription lets you split the cost by legally sharing your subscription with other verified users. Find out how it works on spliiit.

Why doesn't TF1 broadcast any games?

TF1 did not win the FIFA bidding process for the French broadcast rights to the 2026 World Cup. This is the first time since the 1978 World Cup that France’s leading television network has not been involved in a men’s World Cup. M6 submitted a more competitive bid, backed by its strengthened sports strategy over the past two years.

This change marks a historic shift in the French broadcasting landscape. TF1 retains other major sports rights, including certain French national team matches outside of the World Cup. However, for the 2026 World Cup, no live coverage will be available on the channel. For your information, you can still share a TF1 subscription to access other sports and entertainment content.

And does DAZN broadcast games?

No, DAZN does not have any 2026 World Cup matches in its catalog. The British platform has focused on other sports rights in France, including the FIFA Club World Cup and certain boxing and MMA championships. For the World Cup, you'll need to tune in to M6 or beIN Sports.

DAZN has also lost its role as the primary broadcaster of Ligue 1, a role now held by Ligue 1+ starting with the 2026–2027 season. That hasn't stopped some fans from considering a DAZN subscription to watch other competitions alongside the World Cup.

How can I watch the 2026 World Cup for free?

The most comprehensive free option is M6 and its affiliated channels (W9, 6ter), which are available live on digital terrestrial TV (DTT) and via streaming on M6+. The platform offers all 54 M6 matches live without a subscription, on compatible computers, smartphones, tablets, and Smart TVs.

Our dedicated guide on how to watch the World Cup for free explains all the details, including how to watch Les Bleus’ matches, the semifinals, and the final. M6+ also lets you watch a replay of each match within 7 days of its broadcast.

What is the schedule for Les Bleus' games?

The French national team is in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. The draw took place on December 5, 2025, in Washington. The three group stage matches are scheduled to take place over 10 days in June.

France vs. Senegal will be played on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York. France vs. Iraq will follow on Monday, June 22, in Philadelphia. The final match, Norway vs. France, is scheduled for Friday, June 26, in Boston. All three matches will be broadcast on M6 and beIN Sports. The official 26-man roster for Les Bleus will be announced by Didier Deschamps in late May or early June.

Where can I watch the 2026 World Cup final?

The final will take place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, near New York. The stadium has a capacity of 82,500. The game will be broadcast free-to-air on M6 in HD with the original audio and French commentary.

beIN Sports will also broadcast the final, simulcast with M6. Viewers can choose which channel to watch based on their preferred commentary team. The closing ceremony will take place before kickoff, featuring a show with several established international artists on the lineup.

How can I save money on my beIN Sports subscription?

The beIN Sports package at €15 per month comes to a total of €75 to watch the two-month tournament. For fans who want to keep their subscription after the World Cup to watch the Champions League, the Africa Cup of Nations, or Wimbledon, the annual cost quickly adds up.

A shared subscription reduces this expense by splitting the cost among verified users. The spliiit platform spliiit a legal solution for splitting costs while complying with each broadcaster’s terms of use. This also applies to sharing an RMC Sport subscription or an M6 Premium subscription for additional content.

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What is the format of the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, up from 32 in previous editions. The teams are divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will advance to the round of 16. This is a new format for the knockout stage.

The tournament features a total of 104 matches, up from 64 previously. The group stage runs from June 11 to June 28. The round of 16 takes place from June 28 to July 2, followed by the round of 8 (July 3–7), the quarterfinals (July 9–11), the semifinals (July 14–15), the third-place match on July 18, and the final on July 19.

How can I watch all the games without missing a thing?

To follow the entire tournament, the M6 + beIN Sports package is a must. M6 covers the major events on free-to-air TV (the opening ceremony, the French national team’s matches, the semifinals, and the final), while beIN Sports offers 50 exclusive matches and the entire tournament as a paid option.

For fans of multi-screen viewing, the M6+ app and the beIN Sports Connect app let you watch multiple games simultaneously on different devices. Streaming is smooth in 1080p over a fiber connection. Our guide on how to watch all the games details the recommended setups and solutions for expats.

What are the audience challenges facing M6 and beIN Sports?

For M6, this marks a major strategic shift. The network has invested to become the primary free-to-air broadcaster of the World Cup, a position historically held by TF1. This acquisition is a long-term bet aimed at strengthening the group’s position in sports, following its more modest acquisitions in tennis and auto racing in recent years.

For beIN Sports, the 2026 World Cup is the flagship event of the year. The network is banking on the tournament’s appeal to attract new subscribers, with a stable pricing policy of around €15 per month with no commitment. The 50 exclusive matches are carefully selected to offer sufficient added value beyond what M6 provides. The 48-team, 12-group format automatically increases the number of group stage matches that can be broadcast exclusively.

Which games will be shown on W9 and 6ter?

W9 and 6ter round out M6’s lineup when two matches are played simultaneously. This happens regularly during the group stage, when several high-profile matches may be scheduled on the same day at similar times. M6 releases the detailed schedule in the days leading up to each matchday.

W9 typically airs M6 matches that have been rescheduled due to scheduling conflicts, mainly mid-tier group stage matches. 6ter occasionally airs a few matches, depending on the final schedule. All of these channels are free on digital terrestrial television (DTT) and available via streaming on M6+. For a complete overview of M6’s World Cup coverage, our feature provides a detailed daily schedule for the three channels.

Frequently asked questions

On which channel can I watch the opening match of the 2026 World Cup?

The opening match between Mexico and South Africa will be played on June 11, 2026, at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. It will be broadcast free-to-air on M6 and will also be available on beIN Sports. Kickoff is scheduled for the evening, French time.

How much does a beIN Sports subscription cost to watch the World Cup?

A beIN Sports Connect subscription costs about €15 per month with no commitment. For the duration of the tournament (June 11 to July 19), expect to pay for two months, or around €30. With no commitment, you can cancel after the final. Legal sharing via a co-subscription service like spliiit stream soccer legally splits this cost.

Do you have to pay to watch France's games?

No. Les Bleus' three group-stage matches will be broadcast for free on M6. If France advances to the knockout stage, the matches will be shown either on M6 or on beIN Sports. The final and the semifinals will be shown on M6 regardless of which teams qualify.

Can we watch the 2026 World Cup on DAZN or TF1?

No. DAZN does not hold the broadcast rights in France. Neither does TF1—for the first time in over 48 years. Only M6 and beIN Sports are broadcasting the tournament in mainland France. For the French overseas departments and territories, local agreements may be in place through Canal+ Outre-mer.

Where will the 2026 World Cup final be played?

The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York. The stadium has a capacity of 82,500. The game will be broadcast free-to-air on M6 and beIN Sports.

Which stadiums will host the 2026 World Cup?

The tournament is being held in 16 host cities across three countries. In the United States: New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, San Francisco/Bay Area, and Seattle. In Canada: Toronto and Vancouver. In Mexico: Mexico City (Azteca Stadium), Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

How can I avoid jet lag so I can watch the games?

With a time difference of 6 to 9 hours depending on the host cities, many games start in the afternoon or evening in France. Games played on the East Coast (New York, Boston, Philadelphia) between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. local time are broadcast around 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Paris time. Games on the West Coast are later, around 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

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