World Cup 2026 LIVE: Free streams, TV guide & how to watch from anywhere in the world (original) (raw)
The World Cup is almost here, with the action getting underway on June 11 in Mexico City as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in the opening match.
This year's tournament has been expanded to 48 teams, with the USA, Mexico and Canada jointly hosting the competition. That has brought in a host of World Cup debuts including Cape Verde, Haiti and Curaçao.
Of course, the usual powerhouses are also in the mix, with France, Spain, Argentina and England arriving among the tournament favourites.
Stay up to date with all the latest World Cup news and build-up right here on TechRadar, where we'll also show you how to stream every match live — including free viewing options.
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2026-06-10T13:09:32.943Z
Messi, Modric and Mexico
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Within minutes of entering the Argentina v Iceland friendly, Messi scored a penalty which saw a 3-0 victory for his home country. The doubters as to if the iconic player was match fit were silenced...for now. The big question: will he be able to get his team to a successive World Cup final this year?
Another regular at the World Cup, making his fifth appearance and only one behind Messi and Ronaldo, Croatia's Modric is preparing to take on England ahead of both nation's first game of the tournament. Having beaten England to make it the 2018 World Cup final but having lost to England in the Euro 2020 group stage, it's anyone's guess who will win.
Mexico is preparing to be on the world stage in a little over 24 hours as it hosts the first game: Mexico v South Africa at 8pm GMT. The festivities - the first of three exhausting Opening Ceremonies - will kick off 90 minutes before the game and promises to be a showstopper.
We'll let you know more updates as they come in ahead of the action tomorrow.
2026-06-10T09:55:09.651Z
BBC Pundits weigh in on who will win the World Cup
Wayne Rooney at Soccer Aid 2026 (Image credit: Getty Images)
Everyone has an opinion about football. And that includes these BBC pundits and ex-footballers who weigh in on who they think is taking home the World Cup trophy this year...
France, but there's a caveat that comes with it - only if there is no in-house fighting. With the ability they have in forward positions, two or three big players are going to be left out every game, so it will come down to whether they cope with that in the right way.
Alan Shearer
England and Spain will make the final, and hopefully England will win it.
Wayne Rooney
It's going to be a team who are really good at keeping the ball and that points me in the direction of Spain instead. Argentina will go close though, because of the way they work for Lionel Messi. I still think he can do something special, too.
Micah Richards
England. But I am not actually that bothered whether I am right or wrong. I just like to back my people and I want England to do it.
Joe Hart
Well, obviously I want England to win it. That's what I am going with, but if that wasn't to happen then France have a very good squad.
Ellen White
For me the two strongest teams are France and Spain. But will they meet each other in the final or before? That will be the question, but I obviously hope France will win.
Olivier Giroud
France, Spain and England are the three for me who will do well. Spain seem to win everything, at every age group, so of course they are up there, but being French I am going for them to win it.
Gael Clichy
2026-06-09T16:46:51.876Z
FIFA portraits released
Son Heung-min(Image credit: Getty Images)
Son Heung-min
Take a look at some of the FIFA official pictures released from the South Korea, Brazil, Scotland and Netherlands team...
2026-06-09T12:37:25.810Z
A flashback to last World Cup Final…
Messi lifts first World Cup 🇦🇷🇫🇷 | Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 pens) | 2022 World Cup | BBC Football - YouTube 
We’ve spent a lot of time looking ahead but, courtesy of BBC Sport, let’s look back to perhaps the greatest World Cup Final ever: 2022.
With England going out to France in the quarterfinals, the team led by Mbappé took on Argentina in an instantly iconic showdown. So many twists as the two great footballing nations took it turns to take the lead with incredible last minute equalisers.
The result? A nail biting penalty shootout leading to Messi lifting the trophy. Thrilling in a way which usually finals fail to be, will we see another sensational game like this? Only time will tell.
Only two days until the World Cup kicks off, don’t go anywhere!
2026-06-08T21:43:58.556Z
FIFA new rules - is more VAR a good thing?
EXPLAINED: How will new rule changes impact World Cup 2026? - YouTube 
Sky Sports gives a detailed breakdown of all the new FIFA rules that will be implemented this World Cup.
Do you think these make sense? Are they ridiculous? Will there be outrage at some point in the tournament?
Regardless, they’re sure to get a reaction from fans.
2026-06-08T15:48:04.278Z
Is Kane England’s one man team?
Will Harry Kane Win the World Cup for England? - YouTube 
Perhaps the only podcast you need to get all your football needs, particularly with this World Cup approaching is The Rest is Football.
Gary, Alan and Micah - all ex-footballers bringing their perspective from the pitch - break down each of the high ranking teams this episode and ask some important questions ahead of the tournament.
Is Kane carrying the whole of the England team? Who was better Maradona or Messi? And who do they reckon is taking home the trophy this year?
Watch this latest episode and stay tuned here as we enter the week of the World Cup!
2026-06-08T11:45:45.225Z
Trouble for the Iranian team
The Iranian team (Image credit: Getty Images)
In a move that everyone in the world saw, the Iranian team have had trouble ahead of their matches in America.
With the current conflict between Iran and America, the US has refused the visas of some World Cup Iranian team support staff. This means that the team has had to train in Mexico's Tijuana, just across the border from San Diego, instead of America's Arizona as was originally planned.
One man who was not happy was Amir Ghalenoei, Iran's coach, who wanted to be there much earlier to adjust to the 12-hour time difference but was forced to train in Turkey instead. There's also a clear directive that the team will now be based in Tijuana during the World Cup even though all their games are based in America which will prove to be a logistical nightmare.
How will this affect Iran's first two matches scheduled to take place in Southern California against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, and then their next game against Egypt in Seattle on on June 26? Only time will tell.
Follow us for the latest here.
2026-06-07T20:41:59.142Z
The US team arrive ahead of their first friendly against Germany
(Image credit: Getty Images)
One of the three host countries, the United States, touched down before their friendly against Germany at Chicago's stadium, Soldier Field.
The game saw an early lead within the first two minutes as Germany's Havertz slipped one in. United States managed to equalise thanks to Robinson before halftime but Sané managed to get a 2-1 victory at 57 minutes.
While not boding well for the team, the crowd was lively and this bodes well for the rest of the tournament with this team being the strongest of the three host nations. Not great but who knows what the home crows will do for morale.
Keep tuned here for the latest updates.
2026-06-07T16:54:11.311Z
A glimpse behind the scenes of England squad's training
Kane's shooting clinic 🔥 Rashford and Gordon on target 🎯 Three Lions gym challenge | Inside Training - YouTube 
Even though it was a pretty bland game against New Zealand, it was a friendly and a chance for Tuchel to try various combos albeit, that doesn't mean the hard work isn't going on behind the scenes.
Glimpses at Kane smashing in some penalties, some gym goals and a lot of team bonding, check out this video to see what goes on to get the Three Lions ready for the World Cup.
2026-06-07T12:57:12.172Z
Some (not so) friendly results
(Image credit: Getty Images)
More friendly results roll in ahead of the World Cup kicking off on Thursday.
Argentina had a comfortable win against Honduras but Messi, the main man, remained on the bench for the whole game. It makes sense to save his energy for the tournament itself and particularly as a veteran preserve his energy.
Elsewhere, Chile lost to Portugal in a scrappy game which saw a red card for both teams. Ronaldo started - joining rival Messi with now a record six World Cup appearances to his name - but let his teammates do the scoring nevertheless winning 2-1. Not a friendly friendly.
Another big result was Belgium's domination over Tunisia with a decisive 5-0 result. Similar to the Portugal v Chile game, we saw a red card take off one of the Tunisian players.
2026-06-06T22:16:08.829Z
Full time: England 1 - 0 New Zealand, Scotland 4 - 0 Bolivia
(Image credit: Getty Images)
A good sign of things to come for the UK - or half of it - as England and Scotland both win their friendlies. Scotland continue their streak of scoring 4 goals, similar to their win against Curaçao, whereas England didn't look quite as convincing.
Obviously they don't count but it's a good opportunity to see how the team is playing, and hopefully Tuchel takes some learnings from what worked and what didn't work.
Plenty more friendlies coming up ahead of the tournament kicking off on Thursday, so keep your eyes peeled here.
2026-06-06T21:36:00.092Z
Kane scores just before halftime and Scotland reach 4-0
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Finally just before the halftime whistle, Kane does what he does best. A lovely header just before he and the rest of the starting XI are rotated so Tuchel can play all the players possible.
Scotland scored four goals in the first half but have not managed to create many opportunities since.
We'll keep you updated with any latest here.
2026-06-06T20:41:37.465Z
England struggle to find a goal against New Zealand
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Nearly at halftime and England meanwhile are struggling to give New Zealand anything to worry about.
The lowest-ranked sides should be an easy challenge and there's certainly factors such as acclimatising to heat, not wanting to risk injury and ultimately treating the friendly as a test for which players work well together and where.
Maybe tune in to the Scotland game if you want something exciting to watch though.
2026-06-06T20:37:26.142Z
Scotland lead 3-0 against Bolivia
(Image credit: Lawrence Shankland scores Scotland's first World Cup 2026 goal)
Scotland have wasted no time at all, securing two goals before their first mandatory drinks break and another straight after against Bolivia in this first friendly.
L. Shankland (5')
S. McTominay (23')
C. Adams (30')
2026-06-06T12:28:39.527Z
Scotland and England prepare for their friendlies at 9pm
'Gutted' for Gilmour 💔 - YouTube 
Two big friendlies if you’re based in the UK. England v New Zealand and Scotland v Bolivia, both kicking off at 9pm GMT.
Scottish player Lewis Ferguson talks about how the loss of star player Billy Gilmour has affected the Scotland team ahead of the World Cup.
Find out how to watch the game and more below.
2026-06-05T22:00:42.622Z
Tuchel talks starting XI and much more
Thomas Tuchel reveals his World Cup starting XI plans in USA | "I have a clear idea" - YouTube 
England manager Thomas Tuchel has big shoes to fill. Previous manager Gareth Southgate took the England squad to two international finals, a semifinal and a quarterfinal after a long drought of disappointing results for the supposed Golden Generation.
He addresses the pressure, talks his starting XI and everything in between in this press conference ahead of England’s friendly against New Zealand, courtesy of Sky Sports.
Not long until the first England friendly and we’ll bring you the latest on this and a variety of other matches ahead of the World Cup officially beginning on 11 June.
2026-06-05T13:21:39.678Z
Don’t hurry Harry
"Kane can't play every minute" | Thomas Tuchel's World Cup plan for Harry Kane - YouTube 
Ahead of England’s first friendly tomorrow against New Zealand, Sky Sports breaks down the logic of Tuchel bringing three strikers to the World Cup.
He’s never done it before so why? Part of the reason may be to rest the main man Kane who has played a phenomenal amount of hours for his club, more so than before any other international tournament.
Resting him in the muggy heat of the tournament and allowing either strikers to shine may be a tactical move long term but will it work short term?
Watch the video breakdown and check in with our regular updates on this build up to the upcoming friendlies.
2026-06-05T00:26:28.587Z
England squad spill the tea on touching down in the States and beyond
Stones and Burn Talk About Touching Down In The States | Ep. 1 | Lions' Den Connected by EE - YouTube 
England centre-backs assemble!
Fresh blood Dan Burn and veteran John Stones, one of the only remaining players alongside Kane and Rashford from the 2016 squad to still be in the current squad, answer England fans burning questions.
How has it been adjusting to America? What's their 'get hyped' song before matches? Who was their favourite England player growing up?
Find out all the answers and so much more in this exclusive England content from the squad's official YouTube channel as they get ready for their first friendly against New Zealand this Saturday.
2026-06-04T12:04:26.169Z
The big question: weather the matches will go on?
'Everywhere you go you always take the weather with you.' The irony of these lyrics from Aussie/Kiwi band Crowded House was probably not lost on New Zealand as their first friendly was delayed due to serious weather concerns.
New Zealand and Haiti were meant to play their first friendly yesterday at 8pm local time in Florida, but torrential rain and an electrical storm delayed the match by 36 minutes. Haiti ended up thrashing the Kiwis 4-0 which bodes well for England's friendly against them on Saturday as New Zealand still look for their first World Cup match win.
However, these weather conditions are a mounting concern, particularly with the sheer amount of games scheduled to take place around Florida including England's upcoming matches. According to American thunderstorm protocol, matches will be suspended for 30 minutes if lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium with the clock going back to zero if another strike is detected.
Adding to the political turmoil around Trump's temperamental behaviour, this extreme weather the last thing the World Cup needs with its potential to delay or potentially cancel games going forward.
We'll keep you updated with the latest news as it comes in.
2026-06-03T21:37:13.195Z
It wouldn’t be a World Cup without some squad drama
It’s barely been a day since the official deadline for the World Cup squads to be finalised…and already there’s drama.
Switzerland player Breel Embolo was rejected while attempting to board the squad plane to the World Cup. The forward was charged after an altercation in Basel nearly a decade ago but it was flagged as a criminal conviction as he tried to leave the country. He’s applying for an urgent visa so he can join his squad in San Diego but it remains to see whether he’ll make it.
In other news, Austria are also a man down as Christoph Baumgartner suffered a thigh injury before their friendly to Tunisia. The RB Leipzigwill not be replaced - in a fairly bizarre decision - as the loss of such a pivotal player will have repercussions for the rest of the squad.
We’ll keep you up to date with any other breaking news stories from the World Cup as they come in.
2026-06-03T15:28:00.617Z
10 out of 10 for Bellingham
The number 10 shirt is a coveted number in football with a long history of greatness. This goes a long way to explaining why Jude Bellingham has been selected to wear it for England.
While he’s not necessarily had the best season recently at Real Madrid, he’s been a reliable player for England and scored plenty of memorable goals for his country. Will this faith that new manager Thomas Tuchel has in him pay off? Only time will tell.
Training is officially underway for the squad and while the majority are getting stuck in, they’re still awaiting the arrival of some. With the European finals overlapping the World Cup training, we’ll soon see the arrival of a handful of Arsenal players (Rice, Saka, Eze and Madueke) and Crystal Palace’s Henderson who will join the squad.
Don’t miss any of the England squad and other important World Cup news, right here updated daily.
2026-06-02T16:44:13.279Z
All 48 squads are CONFIRMED
The players have all been locked in. Today - Tuesday 2nd June - was the deadline for every country's squad which means it's now official.
There were the inevitable shock omission which were met with horror in their respective countries, and that was just Harry Maguire's mum who was horrified he was snubbed from the England squad. However, there's no going back now as all 48 countries have submitted their 26 players - which include three goalkeepers - so bring on the tournament!
There will be inevitable fallout and controversy with a little over a week before the World Cup kicks off so make sure you stay tuned here for the rollercoaster that is international football.
We'll let you know how you can stream the action for free from anywhere around the globe using Norton VPN.
2026-06-02T10:27:50.412Z
The England squad have landed in Miami
Palm Beach, Miami. Normally a place you'd visit for a relaxed holiday with its vibrant nightlife and scenic delights. However, it's also the location where the England squad landed for their training before the World Cup yesterday.
Although they've escaped the dregs of the British heatwave, the Florida temperature will be no comfort to them. The humidity and tropical storms will be their first big challenge before they've even kicked their first ball, and this will be a recurring theme throughout their games across the country and Mexico as well, maybe less so Canada.
Before their tournament officially kicks off with their first group stage against Croatia on 17th June, they've got a few Florida friendlies to complete. First up is a game against New Zealand on 6th June. The 'All Whites' may be considered the lowest-ranked team in the tournament but they'll be hungry to get a first win against the England squad.
The second and final friendly for England will be against Costa Rica on 10th June. Having just lot a friendly today, 3-1, against the mighty Colombia they will surely be looking for a boost in morale. While on paper these friendlies count for nothing and are certainly favourable teams for England to win against, it'll certainly help the squad get into their rhythm and acclimatise to this unique World Cup across three massive countries.
Follow all the latest updates here.
2026-06-01T20:15:54.891Z
Iran and Iraq announce their squad (or who won’t be in their squad)
One Iranian player that won’t be making the trip to the World Cup is Sardar Azmoun who has been accused of disloyalty to his country’s government.
The crime? Posting a picture of himself with the UAE ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a country with whom Iran has traded blows with. With Iran’s current war with America ongoing, this is the last drama that the squad needs particularly with questions as to whether they’ll be able to enter the country.
Iraq on the other hand announced their squad will include Ipswich’s Ali Al-Hamadi and Manchester United’s Zidane Iqbal. Two big names from the English football league is only good news for Iraq’s chances of qualifying from the group stages, which albeit are slim. Joining them in their group is France, Senegal and Norway…they may be the underdogs but stranger things have happened.
Join us tomorrow for more of the latest World Cup drama in the build up to this epic tournament.
2026-06-01T11:17:49.817Z
From the most-prolific player...to the least-prolific player
Friday saw confirmation of the most prolific player's inclusion in the Argentina squad: Lionel Messi.
This will mark the 38-year-old's sixth World Cup, a record he will share with 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, and begs the question: will this be the last World Cup featuring both football legends? Sports science is better than it ever was but they're two of the most senior players in a tournament of fresh blood.
And now on to the least-know player: New Zealand defender Tim Payne.
This humble kiwi player was minding his own business before TikTok personality Valen Scarsini, aka 'elscarso', decided to boost the profile of who he deemed the 'least-known' World Cup player. He helped boost Payne's Instagram account from under 5,000 followers to a whopping 3.8 million.
The bemused player put out a post thanking Valen and his fans for the "pretty crazy 48 hours". A reminder: New Zealand is the lowest-ranked team of the whole tournament and has never won a single World Cup game. They are a small nation much more interested in their rugby and Aussie rules football...but if they can beat Iran, Egypt or Belgium they will make history.
For all the breaking news World Cup stories and how to watch it ahead of the tournament on Thursday 11th June, watch this space.
Welcome to our World Cup build-up LIVE!
The World Cup is just 10 days away as it all kicks off next Thursday with Mexico vs South Africa.
We'll keep you up-to-date with all the latest news and how you can stream the action for free from anywhere on the globe using Norton VPN.