Free-to-Air FIFA World Cup 2026
December 8, 2025 
6 Comments
TVNZ will broadcast or stream 22 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches free-to-air, including the final, but has yet to disclose how much a season pass to all 104 matches will cost.
However, every All Whites match will screen live and free.
Here’s the media release:
TVNZ Announces Free-to-Air Coverage for FIFA World Cup 2026 |
Football fever is set to sweep across Aotearoa, as TVNZ confirms its free-to-air coverage plans for FIFA World Cup 2026, following Saturday’s draw announcement. Alongside the live and free coverage available, fans can purchase a one-off event pass giving them comprehensive access to all 104 matches, alongside exclusive content. Every All Whites group stage match, as well as any further fixtures they reach, will be broadcast live and free on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+. Competing in their third FIFA World Cup, the All Whites will face IR Iran, Egypt and Belgium in Group Stage play. Including our homegrown talent, viewers can enjoy a minimum of 22 matches free. The opening match between Mexico and South Africa, two Group Stage matches, two Round of 16 clashes, one Quarter-final, one Semi-final and the Final will be available free on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+. An additional 11 matches across the Group Stage and Round of 32 will stream live and free exclusively on TVNZ+. Replays, as well as 2 minute highlight packages of all the free-to-view coverage will also be available on the platform. “Kiwis are massively passionate about football, and the FIFA World Cup is the biggest stage of all,” said Melodie Robinson, TVNZ’s Head of Sports, Events, & Partnerships. “We’re thrilled to bring fans free access to some of the tournament’s most exciting matches. For football fanatics who don’t want to miss a single second, our one-off event pass is the way to watch every goal and every moment.” Ahead of kick-off, a FIFA documentary series will stream free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1, offering 16 episodes of behind-the-scenes access as teams prepare for June 2026. 1News will also deliver comprehensive coverage from the tournament, bringing New Zealanders closer to the stories and players. FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest competition to date with 48 teams playing over 39 action-packed days, across three host countries: USA, Canada and Mexico. For fans wanting to catch every moment of the action with 104 games, highlights and exclusive premium content, a one-off event pass on TVNZ+ will be available for purchase. The pass will offer fans the flexibility to enjoy every match live, and wherever and whenever they choose. TVNZ will confirm details around the event pass closer to FIFA World Cup 2026 kicking off. All Whites Group Stage Matches kick off times: All Whites v IR Iran, 16 June 2026, 1PM NZT live and free exclusively on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ Confirmation of the free-to-air match schedule across both TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ will be announced shortly. |
So nothing really different to past tournaments – opening/closing and matches involving the broadcaster’s nation plus at least 1 quarter finals and 1 semi final. All standard requirements for big event sporting rights like the World Cup.The interesting thing will be how much TVNZ will charge for its package, how happy/angry expats will be at having to pay to watch their team (and I’m thinking English supporters most of all), and whether there will be much uptake. — Mike.
So no news about 4K availability. I’m guessing we’ll be lucky if most of the matches are in 1080. — Steven Ellis.
You’re certainly safe to assume that, Steven, but I doubt if the TVNZ+ infrastructural overhaul will be 4K-capable by then. Last time I checked with TVNZ on progress towards 4K streaming I was told the higher resolution was a possibility for the new platform, not a certainty.
I’d hope it would be no more than $150 … — Clint.
It’s just over a month long. SkySportNow is $55/mth. So I’d hope that the package is between $50-100 given it’s just one sport and all of the locally important matches are on ad-funded TV. — Mike.
Yes, but it is premium sport. The 2019 RWC on Spark was $99 if I recall rightly – at least at early bird rates. I will watch New Zealand’s FIFA WC games but they’re not overly important to me, unless they get out of their group. TBH, I’d rather Sky had acquired the tournament. I guess if I set my cap at $150 and it’s lower, I’ll be pleasantly surprised. — Clint.