RAI has acquired exclusive free multiplatform rights to broadcast 35 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live across Italy [1].
This agreement ensures that a significant portion of the tournament remains accessible to the general public without a subscription. By utilizing its television and internet platforms, the broadcaster fulfills its public-service mandate to provide free access to major sporting events [2].
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026 [3]. The event is hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., featuring a total of 48 participating teams [4]. To accommodate the time difference and match schedules, RAI will provide live broadcasts daily from 18:40 to 02:00 [3].
While 35 matches will be shown live on TV, the broadcaster will also provide highlights for the remaining 69 matches of the 104-game tournament [1, 4]. This coverage spans from the opening match between Mexico and South Africa through to the final [1].
"Saranno 35 gare, tutte trasmesse su Rai 1, dalla partita inaugurale fino alla finale del 19 luglio al MetLife Stadium di New York/New Jersey," Affaritaliani editorial staff said [5].
The broadcast rights cover both traditional television and digital mobile platforms, ensuring viewers can access the games regardless of their device. This strategy allows RAI to maintain a broad reach during one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.
“RAI has acquired exclusive free multiplatform rights to broadcast 35 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live across Italy.”
The decision to keep a substantial block of World Cup matches on free-to-air television prevents the total migration of major sporting events to paid streaming services. In a market where sports rights are increasingly fragmented and expensive, RAI's commitment to its public-service mandate ensures that the 2026 tournament remains a shared national experience in Italy.
