Mediacorp secures FIFA media rights, expanding free-to-air 2026 World Cup matches to 28
SINGAPORE — Mediacorp has secured media rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other FIFA tournaments from 2026 to 2028, expanding free access for viewers in Singapore and confirming that all matches of the men’s tournament will be available locally.
Under the agreement announced on Feb. 5, Mediacorp will screen all 104 matches and official ceremonies of the 2026 World Cup, as well as all 64 matches and ceremonies of the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The rights package also includes selected youth tournaments, including the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups for both men and women.
Mediacorp World Cup rights expand free coverage on Channel 5 and mewatch
Mediacorp said it will increase the number of free-to-air World Cup matches in Singapore from nine in 2022 to 28 in 2026, with coverage on Channel 5 and the mewatch platform.
The free-to-air slate will include the opening match, 23 group-stage matches, both semi-finals, the third-place play-off and the final.
Mediacorp said the 28 free-to-air matches will be available on mewatch without requiring viewers to log in or create an account.
Full tournament access to require subscription
For access to the full 2026 World Cup coverage of all 104 matches, viewers will need a mewatch account and a valid subscription, Mediacorp said. It added that more details on subscription plans, pricing and distribution arrangements will be announced later.
Tournament format expands to 48 teams and 104 matches
The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams and will be hosted across three countries — Canada, Mexico and the United States — with the tournament running from June 11 to July 19.
The expanded format increases the total number of matches from 64 at the 2022 tournament to 104 in 2026.
Mediacorp said its rights package also covers FIFA tournaments through 2028, including the 2027 Women’s World Cup and selected youth competitions, broadening football coverage for Singapore viewers beyond the men’s World Cup.
