How to watch World Cup in Australia

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be shown live, free and exclusive in Australia on SBS, with every match available on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand. Read further to find how to watch on TV and streaming, how SBS On Demand works, supported devices, and options for replays and highlights.

World Cup TV Schedule & Live Streaming FAQ

Can I watch the World Cup 2026 for free in Australia?

Yes. Every match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be available live and free in Australia via SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.

Can I stream the World Cup 2026 online?

Yes. You can stream every match live via SBS On Demand on the web or in the SBS On Demand app on supported devices.

Do I need a paid subscription to watch on SBS On Demand?

No. SBS On Demand is free, but you need to create an SBS On Demand account to watch.

Will full match replays and highlights be available?

Yes. SBS On Demand will have full replays available after matches, plus highlight options including condensed “mini matches” and extended highlights.

SBS

Season 2026

SBS holds exclusive rights to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Australia, broadcasting all 104 matches live on SBS and SBS VICELAND, with free streaming available via SBS On Demand. Coverage is free-to-air, though users must register for an account to access live streams and replays online.

Where to Watch

Australian viewers can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 live across SBS’s free-to-air television channels:

SBS
SBS VICELAND

Both channels will carry matches throughout the tournament, including the opening match on June 11 (June 12 in Australia due to time difference) and the final on July 19 (July 20 in Australia).

Streaming Availability

All matches are available to stream live and on demand via SBS On Demand. The platform provides full access to:

Live match streams
Full match replays
Mini matches
Extended highlights

Streaming is free, but users must create an SBS On Demand account to access content. The service is available via web browsers and apps on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and other internet-connected devices.

Free-to-Air Coverage

SBS’s coverage is fully free-to-air across Australia. This includes all 104 matches from the expanded tournament format, with no subscription required. Matches involving the Australian national team will also be broadcast on the main SBS channel.

Broadcast Coverage

SBS will deliver more than 550 hours of FIFA World Cup programming. All matches will be shown live in High Definition (HD), subject to device compatibility and internet speed for streaming.

The coverage includes:

Every match from the group stage through to the final
The opening fixture and closing final
Matches featuring major international teams

Analysis and Presentation

SBS has confirmed a studio and commentary lineup that includes:

Harry Kewell (analyst)
Lydia Williams (analyst)
Niav Owens (host)
Claudio Fabiano (host)
David Basheer (commentator and vodcast host)

A dedicated SBS On Demand vodcast focused on the Socceroos will also be available during the tournament.

Replays and Additional Content

In addition to live coverage, SBS will provide a range of supplementary content:

Full-match replays
Classic FIFA World Cup matches
Extended highlights and analysis

Classic matches and archival content will also be accessible through the FIFA+ FAST channel integrated into SBS On Demand.

Access and Distribution

SBS and SBS VICELAND are available nationwide via terrestrial broadcast and through third-party satellite, cable, and IPTV services at no additional cost. Both channels are also simulcast on SBS On Demand.

How to watch World Cup on SBS?

SBS airs World Cup matches on SBS, SBS On Demand or SBS Viceland.