Rome, Italy – In a landmark deal for football fans in Italy, DAZN has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant shift in how the tournament will be consumed in the country. The agreement, announced on February 27, 2026, solidifies DAZN’s position as the premier destination for live sports streaming in Italy.
This is a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup, which for the first time will be co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded format, featuring 48 participating teams, promises a longer and more diverse tournament than ever before. DAZN will be the sole platform offering comprehensive coverage of every match to Italian viewers.
A New Era of Football Streaming in Italy
The partnership between FIFA and DAZN extends beyond the 2026 World Cup. It builds upon a previous agreement for the global broadcast of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the planned relaunch of FIFA+, FIFA’s streaming platform, slated for the first half of 2026. This collaboration underscores DAZN’s growing influence in the global sports broadcasting landscape.
“Trasmettere in Italia tutte le partite del Mondiale rappresenta un traguardo storico per Daxn,” stated Stefano Azzi, CEO of DAZN Italia. “L’edizione 2026, la prima con un numero record di 48 squadre partecipanti, inaugura un’era entusiasmante per il calcio mondiale. Siamo orgogliosi di poter raccontare integralmente questo evento al pubblico italiano, continuando al contempo a investire in innovazione, qualità editoriale e contenuti premium.” (Translation: “Broadcasting all the World Cup matches in Italy represents a historic milestone for DAZN. The 2026 edition, the first with a record number of 48 participating teams, ushers in an exciting era for world football. We are proud to be able to fully cover this event for the Italian public, while continuing to invest in innovation, editorial quality and premium content.“)
Shay Segev, CEO of the DAZN Group, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to delivering premium sports content globally. “L’accordo con la FIFA per trasmettere in Italia il torneo calcistico più iconico al mondo ai tanti appassionati di calcio sottolinea il ruolo sempre più centrale di Dazn approach partner di riferimento per lo sport premium a livello globale. Siamo entusiasti che Dazn sarò l’emittente di riferimento per l’intero torneo in Italia.” (Translation: “The agreement with FIFA to broadcast the world’s most iconic football tournament in Italy to so many football fans underscores DAZN’s increasingly central role as a key partner for premium sports globally. We are thrilled that DAZN will be the reference broadcaster for the entire tournament in Italy.”)
What to Expect from the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off with a match between Mexico and South Africa, signaling the start of the expanded 48-team tournament. The tournament’s expanded format is designed to provide more opportunities for nations to compete on the world stage and promises a wider range of matches for fans to enjoy. The increased number of teams also means a longer tournament schedule, offering more sustained excitement for football enthusiasts.
DAZN’s exclusive coverage will ensure that Italian fans have access to every moment of the action, from the opening whistle to the final match. The platform’s commitment to innovation and quality will likely include features such as multi-camera angles, real-time statistics, and expert analysis, enhancing the viewing experience for fans.
While DAZN will be the primary broadcaster, it’s worth noting that 35 matches will also be shown on RAI, Italy’s national public broadcaster, according to reports. However, DAZN remains the sole provider of complete, comprehensive coverage.
The Broader Context: DAZN’s Expanding Role in Sports Broadcasting
DAZN’s acquisition of the rights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is part of a broader trend of streaming services becoming major players in the sports broadcasting industry. Traditional television networks are facing increasing competition from platforms like DAZN, which offer flexible subscription models and on-demand content. This shift is driven by changing consumer habits, with more and more people opting to stream live sports events rather than watching them on traditional television.
The move also highlights the growing importance of the Italian market for DAZN. Italy is a key market for the DAZN Group, and securing the rights to the World Cup demonstrates the platform’s commitment to investing in the region. This investment is expected to attract new subscribers and further solidify DAZN’s position as a leading sports entertainment provider in Italy.
The partnership with FIFA also includes the relaunch of FIFA+, FIFA’s own streaming service. While details of the relaunch are still emerging, it is expected to offer a range of football-related content, including documentaries, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. The collaboration between DAZN and FIFA on FIFA+ suggests a broader strategy to enhance the overall football viewing experience for fans worldwide.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Italian football fans can look forward to a summer filled with exciting matches and comprehensive coverage on DAZN. The tournament promises to be a landmark event, not only for its expanded format but also for the way it will be broadcast and consumed in Italy. DAZN’s exclusive coverage will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the viewing experience for fans across the country.
The next confirmed checkpoint for fans will be the official match schedule release, detailing kickoff times and venues for all 104 games. DAZN will undoubtedly provide updates and information as it becomes available.
What are your thoughts on DAZN becoming the exclusive broadcaster for the 2026 World Cup in Italy? Share your opinions in the comments below!
