TVNZ Won’t Reveal FIFA ’26 Subs

TVNZ isn’t revealing how many FIFA World Cup fans have snapped up TVNZ+ Event Passes for the tournament, which kicks off tomorrow.

“We won’t be sharing that information – it’s commercially sensitive,” a spokeswoman says about the pay-per-view subscription offer.

“But we are really pleased with the level of interest in the TVNZ+ Event Pass for FIFA and how it’s tracking.”

The pass costs $45 to stream all 104 games live and access full replays and highlights.

Although TVNZ+ may stream forthcoming sporting events in 4K-UHD, FIFA coverage maxes out at 1080p — whereas the BBC’s iPlayer and key European and Latin American territories are providing 4K feeds.

FlatpanelsHD has compiled a comprehensive list of countries where FIFA ’26 can be viewed in upscaled or native 4K.

Two years ago it reported major sports broadcasters were abandoning 4K for ‘enhanced HD’ – or 1080p HDR – because 4K requires far greater bandwidth whereas HDR delivers significantly better picture quality for minimally more bandwidth:

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, this issue of 4K remains the subject of intense debate, despite the tournament starting in just a few days. According to our sources, a 4K HDR (HLG) broadcast feed is available to rights holders, but it may not be offered everywhere as it requires fiber-based distribution.

The two primary broadcast feeds are 1080p60 SDR and 1080p60 HDR, respectively, and some broadcasters are upconverting these feeds to 4K before the signal reaches the viewer.

Of course, live TV presents very different challenges than movies and series in 4K. Live broadcasts must also maintain the lowest possible latency, meaning broadcasters have to balance additional factors that affect the viewing experience.

Still, the fact that 4K, HDR and Dolby Atmos have yet to become standard, especially among major broadcasters, more than a decade after the introduction of Ultra HD is disappointing, and the ecosystem remains highly fragmented.

Unlike some other sports rights, the major tech streaming companies are not – yet? – bidding for global rights to FIFA tournaments.

The opening ceremony streams from 5.30am on Friday and will be followed by the first Group A match, Mexico v South Africa, which is one of the 22 games that can be streamed free on TVNZ+. (The full schedule is available here.)

The free games also are airing on TVNZ 1. The telecasts include studio analyses from Auckland FC’s Oli Sail, Wellington Phoenix legend Paul Ifill, football commentator Seamus Marten and four-time FIFA Women’s World Cup coach Bev Priestman.

Already streaming on TVNZ+ are the Between Two Goals podcast, which features team updates, analysis, and interviews with those in the NZ camp; the series Football’s Greatest Stage, which reviews highlights from previous tournaments; preview show The Contenders ’26; and the documentaries Diego Maradona and Rooney.

Entertainment stablemates include the comedy Twenty Twenty Six and the drama Dear England while premiering June 22 is a Celebrity Tipping Point NZ — All Whites special timed to coincide with the All Whites’ second group stage match.