The Lions of Teranga are back at the World Cup — and this time, they face France, Norway, and Iraq in one of the toughest groups of the tournament.
Every match airs on Senegal’s national broadcaster, RTS, completely free.
This guide tells you exactly how to watch on TV, online, or your phone, with local kickoff times and setup steps.
Quick Answer
- RTS → watch on any TV with a terrestrial or satellite signal → Free
- New World TV → stream online or via the app → Subscription required (price varies by operator)
- Canal+ → watch on pay TV or the myCANAL app → From ~5,500 XOF/month
Where to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in Senegal
Free-to-Air TV
RTS (Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise) holds the official broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Senegal.
As the national public broadcaster, RTS delivers free-to-air coverage across its terrestrial and satellite networks. You do not need a subscription to watch.
All three of Senegal’s Group I fixtures — against France, Norway, and Iraq — plus the World Cup Final will be available on RTS at no cost.
Pay TV
Canal+ operates in Senegal and carries sports coverage.
Subscription prices currently start from around 5,500 XOF per month for the entry-level package, rising to approximately 11,000 XOF for premium tiers.
Canal+ gives you access to multiple sports channels, including Canal Sport 1 and 2, though World Cup rights in Senegal sit primarily with RTS and New World TV rather than Canal+.
Streaming Platforms
New World TV is the confirmed digital partner for World Cup streaming in Senegal alongside RTS, covering TV, radio, mobile, and internet.
Fans can also access match coverage through RTS’s official digital platforms and mobile applications.
Exact pricing for New World TV varies by operator and bundle — check their website or your local mobile operator for current XOF rates.
Channel and Platform Overview
| Channel / Platform | Free or Paid | Coverage | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTS | Free | Key matches + all Senegal games + Final | French / Wolof |
| New World TV | Paid (subscription) | Extended tournament coverage | French |
| Canal+ | Paid (from ~5,500 XOF/mo) | Sports channels — limited WC rights | French |
| RTS Digital App | Free | Same as RTS broadcast | French / Wolof |
Kickoff Times in Senegal (GMT / UTC+0)
Senegal runs on GMT — the same as UTC+0 — so there is no offset to calculate.
Senegal’s three group stage matches kick off as follows: France vs Senegal on June 16 at 19:00 GMT, Norway vs Senegal on June 22 at midnight (00:00 GMT on June 23), and Senegal vs Iraq on June 26 at 19:00 GMT.
- Evening matches (19:00 GMT) — France vs Senegal and Senegal vs Iraq both kick off at 7 PM local time. Perfect prime-time viewing, no alarm required.
- Late-night match (00:00 GMT) — Norway vs Senegal kicks off at midnight on the night of June 22–23. Set your alarm or start watching before midnight.
- Tournament opener — The World Cup starts on June 11 at 19:00 GMT with Mexico vs South Africa. That is a comfortable 7 PM kickoff for Senegalese viewers.
Across the full tournament, 55 of the 104 matches fall in the evening window between 18:00 and midnight GMT, making this one of the most viewer-friendly World Cups for West African fans in years.
How to Watch: Step-by-Step
On TV
- Tune your TV or decoder to the RTS channel on your satellite or terrestrial signal.
- For Canal+, switch to Canal Sport 1 or 2 and confirm which matches they are airing.
- Check the RTS broadcast schedule before each match day to confirm the correct channel number.
On Streaming or App
- Visit the official RTS website or search for the RTS app on your device’s app store.
- Download and install the app.
- Open the app and navigate to the live sports section on match day.
- For New World TV, visit newworldtv.com, select your country, and subscribe through your preferred operator or payment method.
On Mobile
- Download the RTS or New World TV app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Create a free account for RTS or subscribe to New World TV through your mobile operator.
- Enable mobile data or connect to Wi-Fi before kickoff.
- Tap the live stream for any active World Cup match.
Free Watching Options
RTS is completely free. You need no subscription, no login, and no decoder card for standard terrestrial reception.
The RTS free-to-air broadcast covers all of Senegal’s group stage matches and the World Cup Final.
Coverage of other group stage matches and knockout rounds beyond Senegal’s fixtures may be selective — check the RTS schedule for a full match list closer to each round.
The RTS digital app also streams the same free content online at no cost to users inside Senegal.
Supported Devices in Senegal
RTS (Free)
- Standard and satellite TV sets
- Android and iOS smartphones
- Desktop and laptop browsers via the RTS website
- Android TV and Smart TVs with a browser
New World TV
- Android and iOS smartphones
- Smart TVs and Android TV boxes
- Laptops and desktop browsers
- Some satellite decoders
Canal+
- Canal+ satellite decoder
- myCANAL app on Android and iOS
- Smart TVs with the myCANAL app installed
- Laptop or desktop via myCANAL browser
FAQs
Which channel shows the World Cup for free in Senegal?
RTS (Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise) is Senegal’s official free-to-air broadcaster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. You can watch all Senegal matches and the Final at zero cost on RTS. No subscription or decoder card is needed for terrestrial viewers.
Can I stream World Cup 2026 matches on my phone in Senegal?
Yes. Download the RTS app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for free streaming. New World TV also offers a mobile app with broader tournament coverage, available through a paid subscription.
What time does Senegal’s first World Cup 2026 match kick off locally?
France vs Senegal kicks off on June 16 at 19:00 GMT, which is 7 PM local time in Senegal. It takes place at the New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States.
Does Canal+ show all 104 World Cup matches in Senegal?
Canal+ has a strong sports package in Senegal but is not the primary rights holder for the 2026 World Cup. RTS and New World TV hold the confirmed rights. Check Canal+ Sport channels for any sub-licensed matches, but do not rely on Canal+ as your main source.
What group is Senegal in at the 2026 World Cup?
Senegal is in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside France, Iraq, and Norway. The group stage runs from June 16 to June 26. The top two teams — and possibly the best third-place team — advance to the round of 32.
