Football fans around the world can feel a sigh of relief after YouTube, a video-sharing company, reveals ways they can watch the FIFA World Cup matches on the platform, amid concerns over non-paid platforms to watch the matches.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

According to YouTube, users can watch live matches for free on the platform, watch highlights, creator content, and behind-the-scenes of the tournament.

From the opening match on June 11 to the final on July 19, YouTube has partnered with FIFA and official broadcasters to bring World Cup content directly to fans across the globe.

While FIFA's official YouTube channel will primarily provide highlights, analysis, and tournament coverage, several official broadcast partners will stream the opening 10 minutes of every World Cup match live on their channels, YouTube explains.

📌 What You Need to Know

For some matches, fans will watch full matches live on YouTube, but it will depend on where they are.

"While the official FIFA YouTube channel will offer tournament highlights and analysis, many of FIFA's official media partners will be streaming the first 10 minutes of the matches and/or a selection of full matches from start to finish," the platform stated.

In some countries, broadcasters may also choose to stream selected full matches directly on YouTube, depending on their broadcasting rights agreements.

However, for fans in other parts of the world, including Kenya, who are unable to watch live matches, YouTube will provide extensive highlight coverage through its Shorts platform and official broadcaster uploads.

By simply searching FIFA World Cup 2026, viewers can access match highlights , goal compilations, post-match recaps, key moments from games, and even short-form clips optimised for mobile viewing.

Beyond the actual matches on the pitch,  the platform also granted its creators access to the tournament, where they will cover behind the scenes for their fanbase.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke