Mediacorp secures exclusive rights to broadcast 2026 FIFA World Cup; 28 matches to be shown for free
The 28 matches include 24 group-stage games, both semi-finals and the final.
Argentina's Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy after his side's win over France in the 2022 World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Dec 18, 2022. (File photo: AP/Martin Meissner)
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SINGAPORE: Football fans in Singapore will get to watch 28 matches at this year's FIFA World Cup for free, said Mediacorp on Thursday (Feb 5), after the national media network secured exclusive rights to the tournament.
All 104 matches and official ceremonies of the 2026 World Cup will be available to subscribers on Mediacorp's digital platform mewatch and carriage partner platforms, CNA's parent company said in a news release.
In addition to its subscription offerings, Mediacorp will expand free coverage of matches on mewatch and Channel 5 from nine games at the 2022 World Cup to 28 this year, comprising the opening match, 23 other group-stage matches, both semi-finals, the third-place playoff and the final.
"Mediacorp holds the exclusive media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Singapore," said a company spokesperson, adding that Mediacorp is currently in discussions with partners on the carriage of its coverage.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature 48 participating teams for the first time.
Taking place from Jun 11 to Jul 19, the tournament duration has been extended to 39 days, with the total number of matches increasing from the previous edition's 64 to 104.
Argentina are the defending champions, having beaten France in the 2022 World Cup final.
Apart from this year's tournament, Mediacorp will also cover all 64 matches and the ceremonies of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, as well as a range of additional FIFA events taking place between 2026 and 2028, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIFA U-20 World Cup, FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
Mediacorp audiences can also continue to view a curation of football’s greatest moments via FIFA+, a free channel on mewatch.
Featuring 24/7 programming, the channel showcases full-length classic matches, curated highlights, vignettes and "best of" compilations, as well as a selection of FIFA+ titles and documentaries.
"Football has a unique ability to unite communities, inspire individuals, and Mediacorp is proud to be the home of FIFA events from 2026 to 2028," said the company’s chief customer officer Angeline Poh.
"From the opening whistle to the final trophy lift, we look forward to bringing every moment of landmark tournaments to fans across Singapore, fostering shared experiences and creating lasting memories for friends and families."
More details on carriage partners, subscription plans and prices will follow.
