It’s official: YouTube and FIFA team up for the FIFA World Cup 2026™
YouTube to become a Preferred Platform for fans, media partners and creators to experience FIFA World Cup™ from every angle
Mar 17, 2026 [[read-time]] minute read
The FIFA World Cup™ is a global cultural moment that demands a stage as large as its legacy. Today, we are proud to announce that YouTube has officially partnered with FIFA to become a Preferred Platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. This game-changing partnership between the two organisations will provide audiences with more ways to enjoy the tournament.
“FIFA is delighted to welcome YouTube as a Preferred Platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026. 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,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström. “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.”
“This collaboration with YouTube reinforces our ambition to maximise the tournament’s impact across the ever-evolving media landscape”
The Ultimate Fan Experience
From your living room screen to on-the-go, this innovative partnership will provide fans with an immersive FIFA World Cup™ experience, where premium content from the tournament’s media partners and creators live side-by-side, everywhere YouTube is available.
FIFA is also bringing the history of the game to the platform by unlocking content from its digital archive on FIFA’s official YouTube channel – including full length past matches and many more iconic moments in the sport’s history. Fans will be able to experience the upcoming global competition from a whole new angle.
Unlocking More Content for Media Partners
The innovative deal offers media partners more premium content to showcase on their YouTube channels, including more opportunities to monetize their content. Media partners will be able to:
- Share Every Angle: Go beyond live play with access to the most robust library of match footage across formats. This includes the opportunity to publish extended highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, Shorts and video-on-demand content that resonates with audiences on YouTube to extend their overall reach and engagement.
- Feature the Kickoff: For the first time in the competition’s history, Media Partners will have the option of live streaming the first 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channel, enabling fans to experience the energy from the very first whistle.
- Broadcast the full 90: Media Partners will be able to stream a select number of matches in full on their YouTube channel, engaging global audiences and promoting where to watch more of the competition.
The Unique Creator Lens
Together with FIFA and the tournament’s official media partners, we’re giving a global cohort of YouTube creators unparalleled access to matches and more. They won't just be reacting to the game, they’ll bring a fresh perspective to the FIFA World Cup™ including human stories, tactical breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes action that further brings to life the legendary tournament as it unfolds.
Even before the tournament begins, creators will play a role in promoting the competition and engaging diverse audiences thanks to extraordinary access to FIFA's Digital Archive.
This collaboration will enhance opportunities for Media Partners to extend their reach, for creators to share unique perspectives on the competition and bring the next generation of fans closer to the FIFA World Cup action with YouTube.
Set your reminders now, because the countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026 on YouTube has officially begun!
