The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), an Australian hybrid-funded public service broadcaster, has successfully retained the exclusive broadcast rights in Australia for the FIFA World Cup. This development includes the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking a significant milestone in the history of SBS and its long-standing relationship with FIFA.
Since 1986, SBS has been the go-to source for Australians to watch FIFA matches. The 2026 World Cup will mark the 40th year that SBS has carried FIFA competitions on its network, a testament to the broadcaster's commitment to bringing world-class football to Australian viewers.
2026 World Cup to be the biggest of all time
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a record-breaking event. With 48 countries participating, 16 more than in the group stages of the previous edition, it will have more teams than ever before. This increase in participation sets a new record for the number of matches played at a FIFA World Cup, with 104 games scheduled.
SBS Managing Director, James Taylor, said:
“SBS has been the home of football on Australian television for almost 40 years and we could not be more thrilled to announce that we will broadcast the 2026 tournament from North America, which will have more teams, more matches and draw more eyeballs than ever before.”
SBS plans to air all 104 World Cup games live on its SBS On Demand streaming tool, SBS, and SBS Viceland channels. This comprehensive coverage ensures that Australian sports fans won't miss a moment of the action.
Retention of World Cup rights a huge boost for hybrid-funded SBS
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, SBS operates on hybrid funding. More than 80 percent of the company’s funding comes from the Australian Government, allowing it to provide a wide range of services to the public.
SBS operates seven radio networks and six television stations, offering a diverse range of content. In addition to its traditional broadcasting services, SBS Online offers the video streaming service SBS On Demand. This platform allows viewers to stream their favorite shows and sports events, including the FIFA World Cup, at their convenience.
The retention of the FIFA World Cup broadcast rights by SBS is a significant development for Australian sports fans and sports betting fans.
With the 2026 World Cup set to be the biggest yet, viewers can look forward to extensive coverage of all the matches. As SBS continues to provide high-quality broadcasting services, it remains a vital resource for sports enthusiasts across Australia.
Stick around for more Sports Streams News from Sporticos.
