FIFA and YouTube have announced a collaboration to enhance viewer experiences during the forthcoming World Cup.
The agreement will see YouTube become a Preferred Platform providing FIFA’s Media Partners with opportunities to publish extended highlights, behind-the-scenes content and more, expanding their overall reach and engagement.
In a first for the tournament, Media Partners will be able to live stream the first 10 minutes of every game, as well as a select number of matches, on their YouTube channels, driving monetisation opportunities and providing fans with an enhanced viewing experience.
Premium content will also be available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, including archive footage of iconic moments and full length past matches.
Mattias Grafström, secretary general of FIFA, commented, “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.”
A cohort of YouTube creators will be selected and given “unprecedented access” to provide viewers with extended features such as human stories, tactical breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content.
“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,” said Justin Connolly, VP and global head of media & sports. “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.”
The deal is similar to an agreement between FIFA and TikTok, which will see live content from this summer’s World Cup streamed on the video-sharing app.
