How to Watch France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Full Guide

Quick answer

France, led by Kylian Mbappé, will play in Group E at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with matches likely airing on Fox (US), ITV/BBC (UK), CBC (Canada), SBS (Australia), and Viacom18 (India). Fans can stream via platforms like Fubo, BBC iPlayer, and SBS On Demand. Expect kickoff times between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. local time, with many matches in late afternoon for European and Indian viewers.

France’s Group Stage and Fixture Schedule

France, the 2018 champions and 2022 runners-up, are placed in Group E alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand. Their group stage matches are scheduled as follows:

• Match 1: France vs. New Zealand – June 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. local time (Moscow, Russia).
• Match 2: France vs. Uruguay – June 19, 2026, at 8 p.m. local time (Saint Petersburg).
• Match 3: France vs. Saudi Arabia – June 24, 2026, at 2 p.m. local time (Kazan).

All times are in local Russian time (UTC+3). For US East Coast, that’s 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 a.m. respectively. For the UK, add 2 hours; for India, add 2.5 hours. Check local listings for exact times in your timezone.

Key Players to Watch

Kylian Mbappé remains the talisman, fresh off his 2022 Golden Boot. Supporting him are Antoine Griezmann (now at LA Galaxy), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), and emerging talents like Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG). Defensively, William Saliba (Arsenal) and Jules Koundé (Barcelona) anchor the backline. France’s depth makes them a threat deep into the tournament.

Broadcasters and Streaming Options by Country

United States

• TV: Fox and Telemundo (Spanish) will air all matches. Fox’s coverage includes pre-game shows and expert analysis.
• Streaming: Fubo ($74.99/month) carries Fox, while Peacock ($5.99/month) streams Telemundo. Sling Blue ($40/month) also includes Fox. All require a subscription, but free trials may be available.
• Free OTA: Fox is available over-the-air via antenna in most US cities. Check antennaweb.org for coverage.

United Kingdom

• TV: ITV and BBC will share live rights. ITV typically broadcasts afternoon matches, BBC the evening ones.
• Streaming: ITVX (free with ads) and BBC iPlayer (free with TV license) stream all matches live. No subscription needed for UK residents.
• Free OTA: Both channels are free-to-air via aerial.

Canada

• TV: CBC and TSN (English), with French coverage on TVA Sports. CBC is free-to-air.
• Streaming: CBC Gem (free) streams all matches. TSN Direct ($19.99/month) offers an alternative. Both are geo-restricted to Canada.
• Free OTA: CBC available via antenna in major cities.

Australia

• TV: SBS will broadcast all matches free-to-air, with some simulcast on Optus Sport (subscription).
• Streaming: SBS On Demand (free, registration required) streams every game. Optus Sport ($24.99/month) offers additional coverage.
• Free OTA: SBS is available via digital TV across Australia.

India

• TV: Viacom18 holds rights on Sports18 and JioCinema (Hindi/English).
• Streaming: JioCinema (free with Jio SIM) streams all matches live. No separate subscription needed for Jio users. For others, Sports18 via cable.
• Free OTA: Not widely available; most viewers rely on streaming.

Expected Kickoff Times and Viewing Rituals

France’s matches will kick off at times designed for European and African audiences. For US fans, expect early morning starts (7 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET). UK viewers will see matches at 2 p.m., 5 p.m., or 8 p.m. BST. In India, times range from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. IST, perfect for evening viewing.

Viewing rituals: In the US, sports bars like Buffalo Wild Wings or local French cafes (e.g., Maison Kayser in NYC) often host watch parties. In the UK, pubs with Sky Sports (e.g., Wetherspoons) will show matches. Canada’s pub scene in Toronto and Vancouver is vibrant. In Australia, RSL clubs and sports bars in Sydney have big screens. India’s cafes in metro cities (e.g., Cafe Coffee Day) and fan zones in malls are popular.

Compare Your Region’s Options

Every country has unique broadcasters and streaming services. For the best experience, check local listings and consider using a VPN if traveling. Compare options in your region to ensure you don’t miss a moment of France’s run for a third title.