TikTok becomes FIFA’s partner platform for the 2026 World Cup

TikTok will be FIFA’s partner platform for the 2026 World Cup. Media organisations will be able to “broadcast certain parts of matches live” and publish more clips, while selected creators will gain access to press conferences and training sessions.

In June, the world’s attention will turn to Canada, the United States and Mexico, the host countries for the 2026 World Cup. A sizeable share of viewers will follow the tournament through TikTok, the social network FIFA has selected as a partner for this edition. The partnership, designed to make the competition more accessible, was announced on Thursday.

Building on FIFA and TikTok’s collaboration for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the agreement will make the social network the “preferred platform” for the 2026 World Cup. TikTok will, in particular, be able to show more content connected with the tournament. More significantly, FIFA says partner media outlets will have “the possibility of broadcasting certain parts of matches live”.

TikTok and live 2026 World Cup match coverage

Unfortunately, no further details have been provided. It is not yet known which matches will be involved, nor the maximum length of these live broadcasts. Nevertheless, the intention is clearly for TikTok to become the preferred platform for following the World Cup. Alongside the live coverage, media outlets will be able to share more video clips on TikTok and use FIFA-produced content for the social network. They will also have the option to monetise World Cup content through TikTok’s available solutions. For its part, the social network has committed to introducing tools to tackle World Cup piracy.

The celebration will be on TikTok

Fans worldwide will also be able to experience the World Cup through TikTok creators. A group of international creators will be given behind-the-scenes access to the competition, including press conferences and training sessions. TikTok will also offer an information hub and interactive features, such as stickers and filters, for the World Cup through its TikTok GamePlan programme.

FIFA, TikTok creators and exclusive access

“FIFA’s goal is to share the euphoria of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with as many fans as possible, and we see no better way to continue that mission at the greatest sporting event in history than by making TikTok the tournament’s first preferred platform,” said Mattias Grafström, FIFA Secretary General. James Stafford, TikTok’s Global Head of Content, also welcomed the exclusive access. He further stated that fans are 42% more likely to watch a match live after viewing sports content on TikTok.

FIFA is also working with Netflix, which will release a “FIFA” video game for its subscribers for the 2026 World Cup.