Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Ireland
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and viewers in Ireland will be able to follow the tournament on the free-to-air channel RTÉ, thanks to a deal that will allow it to broadcast all 104 matches on the schedule. But is it the only channel licensed to broadcast the competition’s matches? Are there pay-TV platforms? We answer these and other questions below.
TV channels with rights to the 2026 World Cup in Ireland
RTÉ is currently the only confirmed national channel. A total of 92 matches will be broadcast on RTÉ TV and RTÉ Player; the latter also holds the rights to a further 12 matches. In the following paragraphs, we’ll detail each option, including availability and how to access live matches in Ireland.
Live channels: can you watch the World Cup for free in Ireland?
Yes, but only on RTÉ (RTÉ One, RTÉ Two and RTÉ Player), which holds the main broadcasting rights. Other matches, as mentioned, will be streamed via the RTÉ Player service. At one point, supplementary coverage by Virgin Media was mentioned, but this option has been ruled out.
Pay-TV channels with rights to the 2026 World Cup in Ireland
There is no confirmed pay-TV channel in Ireland with exclusive rights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As we have already explained, RTÉ will be the main rights holder, offering free-to-air coverage on television and its digital platform.
Platforms and packages to watch the 2026 World Cup in Ireland
No subscription service such as Sky Sports has officially announced the broadcast. Any sub-licensing agreements or additional pay-TV packages have not yet been confirmed. However, you can subscribe to RTÉ’s streaming service and enjoy all the 2026 World Cup matches.
| Platform | Price | What’s included | Can it be cancelled? |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTÉ One/RTÉ Two | Free | All live matches, analysis, special coverage and highlights. | N/A |
| RTÉ Player | Free | Exclusive matches, analysis, coverage and match highlights. | N/A |
Are you planning to bet live? If you want to take the excitement of the tournament to the next level whilst watching the matches, here are the recommended Irish bookmakers for placing your pre-match, live and long-term bets:
Best apps for watching the 2026 World Cup
Whether you’re travelling or in the office, you can enjoy all the 2026 World Cup matches thanks to the RTÉ mobile app. You can download it on Android and iOS via the official Google Play and App Store. We tested both apps and they worked brilliantly. The stream never froze and the interface is perfectly organised, so you’ll have no trouble finding all its features,
FAQ. Frequently asked questions about where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Ireland
Where can I watch the 2026 World Cup for free in Ireland?
All 2026 World Cup matches will be broadcast on the free-to-air TV channel RTÉ and its streaming service, RTÉ Player.
How much does it cost to watch the 2026 World Cup in Ireland?
It costs nothing, as all matches will be broadcast free-to-air by RTÉ.
Do Irish bookmakers stream the World Cup?
RTÉ Player is a streaming service that will broadcast World Cup matches completely free of charge in Ireland.
Can I use a VPN to watch the 2026 World Cup from Ireland?
You don’t need to use a VPN to watch the 2026 World Cup matches. You can watch all the games for free on RTÉ.
Which mobile apps are recommended for following the tournament in Ireland?
By downloading the RTÉ mobile app, you can enjoy the 2026 World Cup matches, no matter where you are.
