Croatia is in Group L alongside England, Ghana, and Panama — and every match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is yours to watch for free.
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) holds the official and exclusive broadcast rights in Croatia.
You can watch on TV or stream online without paying a cent. This guide tells you exactly how.
Quick Answer
- HRT 1 / HRT 2 → tune in on terrestrial, cable, or satellite TV → free
- HRTi website → visit hrt.hr and watch the live stream → free
- HRTi app → download on Android, iOS, Fire TV, or Smart TV → free
Where to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in Croatia
Free-to-Air TV
HRT holds exclusive rights to all 104 matches, from the June 11 opener through to the July 19 final.
Coverage airs on HRT 1 and HRT 2, both free-to-air public channels available on terrestrial, cable, and satellite. No subscription is required.
There are no pay-TV-only options in Croatia. You do not need a cable package or a premium sports channel.
Streaming Platform: HRTi
HRTi is HRT’s official streaming platform. It is free to use inside Croatia and requires no account for live TV channels.
The platform also offers catch-up TV for up to 72 hours after broadcast.
If you use HRTi outside Croatia, live World Cup matches may be geo-restricted due to copyright agreements.
| Channel / Platform | Free or Paid | Coverage | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRT 1 | Free | All 104 matches | Croatian |
| HRT 2 | Free | All 104 matches | Croatian |
| HRTi (web/app) | Free | All 104 matches | Croatian |
Kickoff Times in Croatia (CEST — UTC+2)
Croatia runs on Central European Summer Time (CEST) during the tournament. Most matches played in US East Coast cities fall in the 21:00–03:00 CEST window.
West Coast games push to 04:00–06:00 CEST. Of the 104 kickoffs, 69 fall between 22:00 and 06:00 CEST — 50 of them after midnight.
Croatia’s Group L fixtures in CEST:
- England vs Croatia — June 17 at 22:00 CEST (prime evening)
- Panama vs Croatia — June 24 at 01:00 CEST (late night, set an alarm)
- Croatia vs Ghana — June 27 at 23:00 CEST (late evening)
The Final takes place on July 19 at 21:00 CEST — a perfect prime-time slot.
How to Watch: Step-by-Step
On TV
- Switch on your television.
- Tune to HRT 1 or HRT 2 via aerial, cable box, or satellite receiver.
- Check match times at hrt.hr before kickoff.
- No login or subscription required.
On Streaming or App
- Open your browser and go to hrt.hr.
- Click on HRTi or the live stream section.
- Select the HRT 1 or HRT 2 live feed.
- Watch directly in your browser — no account needed for live TV.
On Mobile
- Open Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iOS).
- Search “HRTi OTT” and install the official app.
- Open the app and tap HRT 1 or HRT 2.
- The app is free to download and requires no payment or sign-up for live channels.
Free Watching Options
HRT broadcasts every one of the 104 World Cup matches free-to-air in Croatia. This includes all group stage games, every knockout round, and the final. The HRTi app and website mirror this coverage at no cost.
You do not need a VPN or a paid service of any kind to watch inside Croatia.
Supported Devices in Croatia
HRT 1 / HRT 2 (TV broadcast):
- Any TV with a terrestrial, cable, or satellite connection
HRTi app and website:
- Android smartphones and tablets
- iPhone and iPad
- Amazon Fire TV devices
- Smart TVs via built-in app store or browser
- Laptops and desktop computers via hrt.hr
FAQs
Is the World Cup free to watch in Croatia?
Yes. HRT broadcasts every match free-to-air on HRT 1 and HRT 2. The HRTi app and website also stream all coverage at no cost. You do not need a subscription or a pay-TV package.
Where can I stream World Cup matches on my phone in Croatia?
Download the free HRTi OTT app from Google Play or the App Store. The app lets you watch HRT channels live and access catch-up content from the past 72 hours.
What time do Croatia’s matches kick off in local time?
Croatia plays England on June 17 at 22:00 CEST, Panama on June 24 at 01:00 CEST, and Ghana on June 27 at 23:00 CEST. The Panama match runs after midnight, so plan ahead.
Can I watch the World Cup on HRTi if I am travelling outside Croatia?
HRTi is available outside Croatia, but live World Cup matches may not stream abroad due to rights restrictions. Check directly in the app when travelling to confirm availability.
Does HRTi show all 104 World Cup matches or just Croatia games?
HRT has secured rights for all 104 matches of the tournament. You can watch every group stage game, every knockout round, and the final — not just Croatia fixtures.
