TThe 2026 FIFA World Cup brings major new changes and sets a historic precedent. The tournament, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, will feature 48 national teams and a total of 104 games, significantly expanding on the traditional tournament format, but that’s not the only new twist.
With the aim of continuing to expand the tournament’s global reach, FIFA on Tuesday confirmed a strategic agreement with YouTube.
What does the new agreement between FIFA and YouTube include?
Football’s governing body has announced a significant agreement that online video platforms will be the preferred option for broadcasting football’s premier events.
Our goal is to help more fans enjoy this content. To achieve this, it has been revealed that audiovisual rights holders have been granted unprecedented special access to share exclusive content, highlights, clips and on-demand material to expand their global reach and engagement.
It has also been revealed that audiovisual rights holders will have the option to broadcast the first 10 minutes of each match live on the official YouTube channel. This is the first time in tournament history. Additionally, some matches may be broadcast entirely through official channels on the platform, increasing opportunities to monetize content on the platform and changing the way competitions are tracked.
Similarly, FIFA provides special access to content creators, allowing them to generate unique stories, analysis, and perspectives and connect with viewers throughout the tournament.
As if that wasn’t enough, it has also been revealed that some of the content from the FIFA Digital Archive, including complete versions of classic matches and many other iconic moments, will be made available via the YouTube channel to build anticipation ahead of the tournament.
“This agreement allows us to reach fans around the world like never before by promoting premium FIFA content and providing new opportunities for broadcast rights holders and creators,” said FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström.
Ultimately, this agreement between FIFA and YouTube marks a significant step towards the digital transformation of football, bringing the 2026 FIFA World Cup to new audiences and redefining how millions of fans experience the most important tournament on the planet.
