The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11 and runs through July 19, spanning 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In Italy, two broadcasters share the rights: public television Rai and subscription streamer DAZN. Rai will show 35 matches free-to-air, while DAZN streams the full tournament.
This guide covers every option available — on your TV, laptop, and phone — with local kickoff times in CEST.
Quick Answer
- Rai 1 → Tune in free on your TV or visit RaiPlay.it → Free
- DAZN → Subscribe at dazn.com or download the app → From approx. €34.99/month
- RaiPlay app → Download on any smartphone or Smart TV → Free
Where to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in Italy
Free-to-Air TV
Rai has secured exclusive, multi-platform free-to-air rights to 35 matches, including the opening game, all Italian national team fixtures (if they qualify), both semi-finals, and the final.
At least 32 of those matches will air on Rai 1, with highlights broadcast across Rai’s news and sports programming.
You need no subscription or cable box to watch these on a standard TV antenna.
Pay TV
DAZN is the only platform broadcasting all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Italy. A DAZN subscription gives you every group-stage game, all knockout rounds, and the final.
DAZN Italia offers multiple tiers, including a Standard plan at around €34.99 per month and a Plus plan at approximately €59.99 per month.
Note that DAZN has announced price increases in 2026 — check dazn.com for the current rate before subscribing.
Streaming Platforms
Rai will also make its 35 free-to-air matches available across its digital platforms.
That means you can stream every Rai broadcast live and on-demand through RaiPlay at no cost.
For the full 104-match package, DAZN’s app works on all major connected devices.
Channel and Platform Overview
| Channel / Platform | Free or Paid | Coverage | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rai 1 | Free | 35 selected matches | Italian |
| RaiPlay (app/web) | Free | 35 selected matches | Italian |
| DAZN | Paid (from ~€34.99/mo) | All 104 matches | Italian |
Kickoff Times in Italy (CEST, UTC+2)
Italy runs on Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) during the World Cup. North American match slots translate across a wide range of local hours.
- Evening matches: Games starting at noon ET land at 6:00 PM CEST — ideal prime-time viewing. Expect several group-stage matches in this slot, including many high-profile fixtures.
- Late-night matches: The most common 3:00 PM ET kickoffs arrive at 9:00 PM CEST. The tournament opener, Mexico vs South Africa on June 11, kicks off at exactly this time — a comfortable late evening.
- Midnight matches: Matches scheduled for 6:00 PM ET begin at midnight CEST. These are worth planning ahead for, especially La Celeste-style late-night showdowns in the knockout rounds.
- Very late matches: A small number of 9:00 PM ET kickoffs push to 3:00 AM CEST. Set a recording or use DAZN’s on-demand replay to watch those at a reasonable hour.
How to Watch: Step-by-Step
On TV
- Connect a TV antenna to receive Rai 1 broadcasts — completely free.
- Check the Rai 1 schedule to confirm which of the 35 matches air that day.
- For DAZN, connect your Smart TV and open the DAZN app.
- Log in with your DAZN account and select the live match.
On Streaming or App
- Visit RaiPlay.it for free match streams — no account needed for most content.
- For all 104 games, go to dazn.com and sign in or create an account.
- Click “Live” and select the ongoing or upcoming World Cup match.
- Use DAZN’s DVR feature to rewind or catch up if you join mid-match.
On Mobile
- Download the RaiPlay app from the App Store or Google Play for free matches.
- Download the DAZN app for full tournament access on your phone or tablet.
- Enable match notifications in the DAZN app to get kickoff reminders.
- Use DAZN’s download feature on mobile to save replays for offline viewing.
Free Watching Options
Rai’s free package covers the opening match, both semi-finals, the final, and all Italian national team games — assuming Italy qualifies.
Rai is also offering highlights and clips from all 104 matches across its TV and digital platforms, so even matches you cannot watch live still get full coverage.
Stream every Rai broadcast for free through RaiPlay on web or app, with no subscription required.
Supported Devices in Italy
RaiPlay (free):
- Smart TVs with the RaiPlay app
- Smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android)
- Laptops and desktop computers via browser
- Connected streaming sticks (where the RaiPlay app is available)
DAZN (paid):
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Philips, and others)
- iPhones, iPads, and Android phones/tablets
- Laptops and desktop computers via browser
- Amazon Fire TV Stick and Chromecast
- PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles
FAQs
Can I watch the World Cup 2026 for free in Italy?
Yes. Rai will broadcast 35 matches free-to-air, including the opening match, semi-finals, and the final. You can also stream all of Rai’s matches free through the RaiPlay app or website.
Does DAZN show all 104 World Cup matches in Italy?
Yes — DAZN is the only platform in Italy with rights to broadcast all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A paid subscription is required to access the full tournament.
What time do World Cup matches kick off in Italy?
Italy is on CEST (UTC+2) during the tournament. Most matches fall between 6:00 PM and midnight CEST, with a smaller number of late-night fixtures running through 3:00 AM. Check the official FIFA schedule and convert using UTC+2 for exact times.
Will Italy’s matches be on free TV?
Yes — Rai’s free-to-air rights package includes all Italian national team matches, provided Italy qualifies. If Italy does not qualify, Rai’s coverage will focus on major matches including the final and semi-finals.
How do I subscribe to DAZN in Italy for the World Cup?
Visit dazn.com, select a subscription plan, and create an account. DAZN announced a price increase of €2 per month on existing plans in early 2026, so confirm the latest price directly on the DAZN website before subscribing, as rates may have changed since publication.
