2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with expanded broadcast coverage and record‑breaking revenues

The 2026 FIFA World Cup began on 11 June, featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico. In Italy, the public broadcaster Rai will show 35 games free to viewers, while the streaming service DAZN holds rights to all matches and has added a dedicated channel on Amazon Prime Video for a one‑time €24.99 fee.

Economic analyses commissioned by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimate the tournament will generate about $80 billion in global economic activity, contribute $40.9 billion to world GDP, create roughly 824 000 full‑time‑equivalent jobs, and bring FIFA $8.9 billion in revenue, partly through a new dynamic ticket‑pricing system. The event’s TV rights are expected to earn around $3.8 billion, with coverage confirmed in more than 175 territories.

Match schedules for the opening weekend include South Korea vs Czech Republic and Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina on 12 June, with Italy’s audience adjusting to night‑time North‑American kick‑offs. Star players such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior and emerging talent Lamine Yamal are highlighted as key attractions for fans worldwide.