The European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are currently underway, featuring Europe’s top football nations competing for coveted spots at the historic tri-nation tournament. With matches scheduled across multiple matchdays through November 2025, fans worldwide have numerous options to catch all the action live.
Where to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers Matches – Complete Viewing Guide by Region
United Kingdom Coverage
BBC and ITV share the exclusive broadcasting rights for home nations’ matches in the UK.
BBC Coverage:
- Wales matches: BBC One Wales, S4C, BBC iPlayer, and S4C Online
- Scotland matches: BBC One Scotland, BBC Two, BBC iPlayer
- Northern Ireland matches: BBC One Northern Ireland, BBC Two
ITV Coverage:
- England matches: All Three Lions games broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX
- ITV holds exclusive rights to show every England qualifying match
European Broadcasting Partners
The European Broadcasting Union has secured comprehensive media rights covering 37 countries across Europe. Key broadcasters include :
- Germany: ZDF, DAZN, Prime Video
- France: L’Équipe, TF1+
- Italy: Sky Sport, Prime Video
- Spain: RTVE, Movistar Plus+
- Netherlands: NOS, Ziggo Sport
- Portugal: RTP, DAZN, Sport TV
- Belgium: RTBF, VRT, DPG Media
- Austria: ORF ON, ServusTV On
- Switzerland: SRG SSR, Blue Sport
Global Streaming Platforms
Major International Broadcasters:
- United States: FOX Sports holds English-language rights, Telemundo provides Spanish coverage
- Canada: Bell Media covers matches via TSN, TSN2, and RDS
- Australia: Stan Sport streams all 144 remaining qualifying matches exclusively
- India & Subcontinent: Viacom18 broadcasts with JioCinema streaming
- Middle East & North Africa: beIN Sports across 24 countries
Current Qualifying Schedule
Upcoming Matchdays (September 2025)
Matchday 5 – September 4-6, 2025:
- Thursday, September 4: Kazakhstan vs Wales (3:00 PM), Georgia vs Turkey
- Friday, September 5: Denmark vs Scotland (7:45 PM), multiple group matches
- Saturday, September 6: England vs Andorra (5:00 PM), various fixtures
Matchday 6 – September 7-9, 2025:
- Sunday, September 7: Germany vs Northern Ireland (7:45 PM)
- Monday, September 8: Belarus vs Scotland (7:45 PM)
- Tuesday, September 9: Serbia vs England (7:45 PM), Armenia vs Republic of Ireland
Digital Streaming Options
Free Streaming Platforms
- UEFA.tv: Select matches available in certain regions
- BBC iPlayer: Free for UK residents with TV license
- ITVX: Free streaming for England matches in UK
Premium Streaming Services
- DAZN: Available across multiple European countries
- Disney+: European coverage for select matches
- Stan Sport: Exclusive Australian coverage
Qualification Format & Tournament Structure
The European qualifiers feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4-5 nations each. The tournament structure includes:
- Group Stage: March 21 – November 18, 2025
- Play-offs: March 26-31, 2026
- Group winners: Automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup
- Runners-up: Advance to play-off competition
Mobile and Connected TV Access
Most broadcasters offer companion apps and streaming services:
- TSN GO and CTV GO (Canada)
- Telemundo App and Peacock (US Spanish coverage)
- BBC Sport Website and mobile apps (UK)
- Fox Sports App (US English coverage)
International Travel Viewing
For fans traveling internationally, many broadcasters offer geo-restricted streaming that requires location-specific access. The extensive global broadcast network ensures coverage across major football markets worldwide.
The 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers represent one of football’s most competitive qualification campaigns, with traditional powerhouses like Spain, Germany, France, and England all seeking automatic qualification spots. With comprehensive broadcasting coverage across multiple platforms and regions, fans can follow their national teams’ journeys to the historic 2026 tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.