FIFA has confirmed that video-sharing platform YouTube will be a "preferred platform" for the 2026 World Cup. So, what does that mean exactly?

On Tuesday afternoon (March 17), FIFA announced a "game-changing partnership" that encourages World Cup rights holders to live-stream the first 10 minutes of every match on their YouTube channel.

BBC and ITV will share the rights to this summer's World Cup, with the 104-game tournament being broadcast free-to-air on terrestrial television across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In addition, broadcasters will be able to stream a select number of matches in full on their YouTube channel, a move that "engages global audiences and promotes where to watch more of the competition."

Beyond rights holders and FIFA will give "a global cohort" of YouTube creators “unparalleled access” to FIFA's Digital Archive from its official YouTube channel.

Fans will be able to watch live World Cup action on YouTube. Image credit: Getty

It is an agreement that will "engage global fans in ways never seen before,” according to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom.

"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," added Justin Connolly, who works for YouTube.

Fox Sports and Telemundo have been selected as the U.S. host broadcasters for the World Cup, while Bell Media owns exclusive Canadian media rights to the World Cup. In Mexico, TelevisaUnivision and TV Azteca will broadcast the competition.

BBC and ITV have agreed World Cup deal for 2026

The two broadcasters will share the rights equally and will split matches between them, including a shared final, which will take place at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on July 19.

The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19. Image credit: Getty

As well as live TV coverage and highlights on BBC TV channels and iPlayer, live audio commentary will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra.

ITV will deliver free-to-air coverage of live fixtures across ITV1, ITV4 and ITVX, not to mention highlights and content on ITV Sport's social accounts.