TikTok to Stream 2026 World Cup Matches Live

FIFA and TikTok have confirmed a new partnership that will see the social media platform broadcast live content during the 2026 World Cup. The agreement designates TikTok as a 'preferred platform' for the tournament, with the deal extending through the end of 2026. According to the announcement, FIFA's media partners will be permitted to broadcast 'parts of matches' on the application.

The collaboration is intended to bring fans 'closer to the action.' However, the specific length of the live clips has not been detailed in the announcement. TikTok's global head of content emphasized the commercial benefits of live sports on the platform, stating that data shows fans are 42 percent more likely to watch live matches after engaging with sports content on the app. The World Cup itself is set to take place from June 11 to July 19, hosted across 16 cities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The partnership between FIFA and TikTok represents a significant shift in how major sporting events are shared on social media. The announcement, made on a Thursday, clarified that the collaboration is designed to evolve alongside the growing popularity of football. Specifically, the agreement allows for the broadcast of 'parts of matches,' though the announcement did not clarify how long these clips will be.

The deal is structured to run through the conclusion of the 2026 tournament. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize the distribution of football content. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom highlighted this goal in the announcement, stating:

"As football grows and evolves — uniting an increasing number of people — so should the way it is shared and promoted."

This sentiment underscores the organization's intent to utilize digital platforms to reach a wider, more engaged audience.

For TikTok, this partnership is a strategic move to leverage live sports for business growth. The platform's global head of content provided specific metrics regarding the impact of sports content on viewer habits. The data suggests that engaging with sports clips on TikTok directly correlates with higher viewership for live events. The executive noted that this dynamic transforms 'fandom into measurable business results for our sports partners.'

In addition to live broadcasts, the platform plans to integrate interactive elements to enhance the user experience. These features will include:

• Custom filters related to the World Cup
• Interactive stickers
• Various 'gamification' features

These tools are designed to encourage user participation and content creation surrounding the tournament.

Beyond standard user features, FIFA is extending special access to a select group of global TikTok creators. This initiative aims to generate unique, behind-the-scenes content for the platform. Selected creators will be granted entry to areas typically restricted to the press and team staff.

The access includes entry to:

• Press conferences
• Team training sessions

By providing these creators with direct access to the event, FIFA hopes to produce authentic content that resonates with the TikTok community. This approach allows the tournament to reach audiences through the distinct voices and styles of popular digital creators.

The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a historic event due to its geographic scale. The tournament will be hosted jointly by three nations: Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Matches will be spread across 16 different cities throughout North America.

The event is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19. The collaboration with TikTok ensures that fans around the world will have access to live moments from this massive event, regardless of their ability to attend in person. As the tournament approaches, further details regarding the specific duration of the live clips are expected to be released.