YouTube and FIFA have signed a Preferred Platform agreement for the FIFA World Cup 2026 – enabling media partners and creators to publish extended highlights, Shorts, video-on-demand content, and moments from FIFA’s Digital Archive.
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. Additionally, media partners will be able to stream a select number of matches in full on their YouTube channel while promoting where to watch more of the competition. Alongside this, media partners will have more opportunities to monetise their YouTube content.
Further, this partnership will see content from FIFA’s Digital Archive unlocked on its YouTube channel – including full-length past matches and iconic moments in the sport’s history.
FIFA and YouTube will grant a cohort of YouTube creators unprecedented access to the FIFA World Cup. This creator lens is intended to feature human stories, tactical breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes action to increase engagement. This, and the archive access, is expected to help promote the competition.
The partners will also make premium content accessible on FIFA’s official YouTube channel.
Justin Connolly, Vice President (VP) and Global Head of Media and Sports at YouTube, commented: "YouTube is focused on delivering a global, fan-centric, interactive approach to sports entertainment, and we are proud to be a preferred platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026. By providing official media partners and creators with premium content and unparalleled access, we’re delivering a comprehensive experience for fans and partners alike.
"Whether you’re a hardcore or a casual fan, this partnership will help usher in the next generation of fans while showcasing that no other platform unites the world around major moments like YouTube."
Mattias Grafström, Secretary General of FIFA, said: “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.”
“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.”
FIFA also recently agreed a first-of-its-kind preferred platform agreement with TikTok ahead of this year’s World Cup. Discover more here.
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