2026 FIFA World Cup Broadcasting in France: M6 and beIN Sports Schedule
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will run from June 11 to July 19, featuring 48 teams across 104 matches. For the first time in its history, France’s TF1 will not broadcast any matches, with M6 and beIN Sports taking over the rights. This marks a significant shift in French football broadcasting, with M6 securing 54 free-to-air matches and beIN Sports offering all 104 games via subscription.
Key Broadcast Details
The tournament will be played across 16 stadiums, including 11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada. In France, M6 has acquired exclusive free-to-air rights for 54 matches, including the opening game, both semi-finals, the third-place playoff, and the final at New York’s MetLife Stadium. beIN Sports, meanwhile, will broadcast all 104 matches, with exclusive coverage of matches at unconventional hours (e.g., 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. Paris time) due to time zone differences.
France’s Squad and Key Matches
France’s 26-man squad, led by Didier Deschamps, includes key players such as Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Dupont. The French team’s group stage matches, including their opener against Senegal on June 16, will be broadcast on both M6 and beIN Sports. The team’s schedule includes critical encounters against teams like Argentina, Portugal, and England, with M6 covering all group-stage games and beIN Sports providing full access to additional matches.
Match Schedule and Broadcast Partnerships
The group stage runs from June 11 to June 28, with matches scheduled at various times across the U.S. For example, the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 will be available on both M6 and beIN Sports. Later matches, such as the U.S. vs. Paraguay game on June 13, will be exclusive to beIN Sports due to early morning kickoffs. The knockout stages, including the round of 16, quarterfinals, and finals, will be broadcast on M6, with beIN Sports covering the remaining matches.
Impact on French Football Viewing
This broadcast arrangement represents a major shift in how French audiences access the World Cup. M6’s free-to-air coverage ensures broad accessibility, while beIN Sports’ subscription model offers comprehensive access. The absence of TF1, the traditional broadcaster, underscores the evolving landscape of sports media in France, where digital and subscription-based platforms are gaining prominence.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a landmark event, with its expanded format and global reach. For French fans, the partnership between M6 and beIN Sports ensures that they can follow the tournament in full, whether through free-to-air broadcasts or subscription services. As the countdown begins, the focus remains on the teams, the matches, and the excitement of football’s greatest stage.