YouTube has announced a partnership with FIFA to become a preferred platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026, offering fans access to match-related content, highlights, creator coverage and selected live-streaming opportunities through media partners during the tournament.

Under the agreement, as per a YouTube blogspot, football fans will be able to access premium content from FIFA, official media partners and creators on YouTube. The content will range from match highlights and behind-the-scenes footage to short-form videos and on-demand programming.

The platform said the partnership is aimed at providing audiences with more ways to experience the tournament across devices.

Announcing the collaboration earlier this week, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said, “FIFA is delighted to welcome YouTube as a Preferred Platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026.” He added that the arrangement would engage global fans in new ways by spotlighting FIFA content and creating opportunities for media partners and creators.

As part of the initiative, FIFA will make content from its digital archive available on its official YouTube channel, including full-length matches from previous tournaments and iconic moments from World Cup history. According to YouTube, this will allow fans to explore both the tournament’s heritage and the upcoming competition through a single platform.

The partnership also expands opportunities for official media partners. YouTube said broadcasters will have access to an extensive library of match footage for extended highlights, behind-the-scenes content, Shorts and video-on-demand programming. Media partners will also have the option of live-streaming the first 10 minutes of every World Cup match on their YouTube channels.

In addition, selected matches may be streamed in full by media partners on YouTube, helping them reach wider audiences while directing viewers to their broader tournament coverage. The company said the arrangement is designed to enhance audience engagement and content monetisation opportunities for rights-holding broadcasters.

YouTube said creators will play a significant role in the World Cup experience, receiving access to matches and tournament-related activities. The company said creators would provide alternative perspectives through storytelling, tactical analysis, behind-the-scenes coverage and human-interest content, bringing fans closer to the event.

According to YouTube, creators will begin engaging audiences even before the tournament starts through access to FIFA’s digital archive and promotional activities.

First-ever YouTube FIFA Creator Cup on July 12: As the World Cup fever grows, adding to the excitement will be YouTube as it gears up to bring fans everywhere closer to the pitch than ever before.

As part of its preferred platform partnership with FIFA, YouTube earlier in the week said it was excited to announce the first ever YouTube FIFA Creator Cup, live streaming globally only on YouTube from the heart of New York City on July 12.

This match will bring together favourite global YouTube creators, elite athletes and celebrities who will lace up their cleats and face off in an unforgettable exhibition matchup. Details on team captains, players and other things will be revealed soon, the streaming giant said.

The YouTube creator lineup for FIFA World Cup 2026 has also been unveiled. These creators will be attending matches across the tournament, to capture the sport, culture, and community through a unique lens for their combined 350+ million subscribers — from tactical breakdowns and pitch challenges to the overall experience.

Together with the official media partners’ YouTube coverage, the tournament will reach an even broader, more diverse audience, creating a truly connected experience for fans and broadcasters alike, ube said.