The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious football tournament in the world, and the 2018 edition in Russia was no exception. Billions of people across the globe tuned in to watch the drama unfold as 32 nations battled for the coveted trophy. The tournament was a showcase of skill, athleticism, and international camaraderie, captivating fans with nail-biting matches, spectacular goals, and unexpected upsets. But for those who couldn’t make it to Russia, watching the FIFA World Cup 2018 live stream online was the next best thing. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide highlighting the broadcast rights for the event, covering regions across the world. Join us as we delve into the digital landscape of the FIFA World Cup 2018 and discover how fans from Bangladesh to the USA accessed the tournament online.
How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2018 online: A Global Guide
The FIFA World Cup is a global spectacle, and fans around the world are keen to catch every moment of this iconic event. Knowing how to access the live stream is paramount to staying up-to-date on the thrilling matches, captivating highlights, and the electrifying atmosphere of the World Cup. Fortunately, various broadcasting companies and platforms secured the rights to showcase the tournament, making it accessible to viewers across continents.
Let’s embark on a journey through the world, country by country, to discover how fans watched the FIFA World Cup 2018 on their screens.
How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2018 online in Asia
Afghanistan: Fans in Afghanistan had the option of watching the FIFA World Cup 2018 matches live on Ariana TV. While the channel provided live coverage, it was solely available through traditional television broadcasts.
Bahrain: The people of Bahrain enjoyed access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 via beIN Sports Connect. This streaming service brought the matches directly to viewers’ screens, offering a convenient and comprehensive platform to follow the tournament.
Bangladesh: For fans in Bangladesh, the online broadcast rights were held by Sony Pictures Networks India. However, the platform’s live stream accessibility in Bangladesh was unclear, leaving many fans searching for alternative options. Traditional television broadcasts remained the primary choice, with Bangladesh Television, Maasranga Television, and Nagorik Television stepping up to provide coverage.
Bhutan: Similar to Bangladesh, Bhutanese fans also relied on Sony Pictures Networks India for the FIFA World Cup 2018 online broadcast rights. However, online streaming availability was uncertain, likely leading many to follow the matches through television broadcasts.
Brunei: In Brunei, fans had access to the tournament through Astro, a popular satellite television service in Southeast Asia. This platform offered both television and online streaming options, ensuring fans could catch the action regardless of their preferred viewing method.
Cambodia: The Cambodia Television Network (CTN) secured the rights to broadcast FIFA World Cup 2018 in Cambodia, providing live coverage through traditional television broadcasts.
China PR: Two prominent players in the Chinese media landscape, China Central Television (CCTV) and Youku, partnered to showcase the FIFA World Cup 2018. CCTV, the state-owned broadcaster, provided television coverage, while Youku, a leading video-sharing platform, offered online streaming options.
Chinese Taipei: The ELTA television network became the primary source for FIFA World Cup 2018 coverage in Chinese Taipei. Fans in the region watched the tournament live through ELTA’s traditional television broadcasts.
Hong Kong: Fans in Hong Kong enjoyed a diverse range of viewing options, with both Now TV and ViuTV securing the rights to broadcast the tournament. Now TV offered a combination of television and online streaming services, while ViuTV delivered coverage primarily through traditional television broadcasts.
India: The online streaming of the FIFA World Cup in India was split between multiple platforms with JioTV and Airtel TV providing free access to all 64 matches. Alternatively, fans could subscribe to Sony Liv‘s Premium subscription for online access to the World Cup. The premium subscription allows access to all matches and cost Rs. 99 per month or Rs. 199 for the six-month sports only pack. Tata Sky subscribers received live streaming options as well via the Tata Sky webpage or through the app, making the World Cup accessible to a wide range of viewers.
Indonesia: In Indonesia, fans had two main options to watch the FIFA World Cup 2018: Trans TV and UseeTV. Trans TV, a popular commercial television channel, delivered live coverage through traditional broadcasts. UseeTV, a streaming service, offered online access to the tournament.
Iran: Iranian fans had access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 through beIN Sports Connect, offering both online streaming and television coverage.
Iraq: Similar to Iran, Iraqi fans relied on beIN Sports Connect for their FIFA World Cup 2018 viewing experience. This widely available streaming service ensured fans could seamlessly follow the matches.
Japan: Japanese fans had a multitude of options for watching the FIFA World Cup 2018, with five prominent broadcasters securing the rights: NHK, a public broadcaster, Nippon TV, TV Asahi, TV Tokyo, and TBS, all of which offered a combination of television and online access to the tournament.
Jordan: Fans in Jordan relied on beIN Sports Connect for both television and online streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2018.
DPR Korea: In DPR Korea, fans had access to the tournament via two broadcasters: KBS and MBC. Both channels delivered coverage through traditional television broadcasts.
Korea Republic: Like DPR Korea, fans in the Republic of Korea had two main options for watching the FIFA World Cup 2018: KBS and MBC. Both channels primarily offered the tournament through television broadcasts.
Kuwait: Kuwaiti fans accessed the FIFA World Cup 2018 via beIN Sports Connect, a popular streaming service that delivered comprehensive coverage to a wide audience.
Kyrgyzstan: While Saran Media secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018 in Kyrgyzstan, the specific channels and websites for accessing the live stream were not readily available. Fans likely relied on local television broadcasts for their coverage.
Laos: The FIFA World Cup 2018 was showcased in Laos by TVLAO CO. LTD, primarily through traditional television broadcasts.
Lebanon: beIN Sports Connect became the go-to platform for fans in Lebanon seeking online and television coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2018.
Macau: In Macau, the TDM network provided live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2018, mainly through traditional television broadcasts.
Malaysia: Malaysians had a straightforward path to watching the FIFA World Cup 2018 with Astro offering comprehensive coverage. This satellite television provider offered both television and online streaming options. For RM120, fans could purchase a World Cup channel pass, granting them access to all matches live.
Maldives: For fans in the Maldives, Sony Pictures Networks India secured the broadcast rights. However, the availability of online streaming in the region remained unclear, likely leading fans to rely on television broadcasts.
Mongolia: In Mongolia, two prominent broadcasters, NTV and MNB, provided the primary coverage for the FIFA World Cup 2018, with most viewers accessing the matches through traditional television broadcasts.
Myanmar: Daruma Pte Ltd secured the broadcast rights in Myanmar, but specific channels and websites for accessing the FIFA World Cup 2018 were not publicly available. Fans likely followed the matches through local television broadcasts.
Nepal: Similar to Bangladesh and the Maldives, Nepalese fans had access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 through Sony Pictures Networks India. However, online streaming availability was questionable, leaving traditional television broadcasts as the most accessible option. Alternatively, Net TV provided access to Sony Channels online for a small fee.
Oman: Fans in Oman relied on beIN Sports Connect for both online streaming and television broadcasts of the FIFA World Cup 2018.
Pakistan: Pakistanis followed the FIFA World Cup 2018 action through Sony Pictures Networks India. While online streaming availability remained unclear, fans could access the matches through Sony’s television broadcasts.
Palestine: beIN Sports Connect became the go-to platform for fans in Palestine seeking online and television coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2018.
Philippines: ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018 in the Philippines. Fans in the region enjoyed live coverage, primarily through traditional television broadcasts.
Qatar: Qatar’s national broadcaster, beIN Sports Connect, held the exclusive rights to showcase FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans in the region could access the matches online and through television broadcasts.
Saudi Arabia: Fans in Saudi Arabia had access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 through beIN Sports Connect. However, there was a possibility that the service may have been blocked in Saudi Arabia, likely due to regional tensions. This uncertainty impacted how fans in Saudi Arabia accessed the tournament.
Singapore: In Singapore, two providers held the broadcast rights for the FIFA World Cup 2018: StarHub and Mediacorp. Both offered a comprehensive platform for fans to watch all 64 matches, either through television or online streaming. A World Cup channel pass, costing SG$112.35, granted access to all match coverage via both services.
Sri Lanka: Similar to Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Maldives, Sri Lankan fans had access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 through Sony Pictures Networks India. However, the availability of online streaming was uncertain, leading fans to likely rely on traditional television broadcasts.
Syria: The people of Syria were able to access the FIFA World Cup through beIN Sports Connect for both online and television coverage.
Tajikistan: For fans in Tajikistan, Saran Media secured the rights. Match TV appears to be the channel broadcasting the FIFA World Cup 2018, primarily through traditional television broadcasts.
Thailand: Fans in Thailand enjoyed a vibrant viewing experience with three channels broadcasting the FIFA World Cup 2018 live – Amarin TV 34, Channel 5, and True4U 24. Additionally, True Visions Group offered the possibility of online streaming, allowing fans to catch the action on their screens.
Timor Leste: ETO-TELCO, LDA secured the broadcast rights in Timor Leste, but specific channels and websites for accessing the FIFA World Cup 2018 were not publicly available. Viewers likely relied on local television broadcasts.
Turkmenistan: Saran Media secured the broadcast rights in Turkmenistan, but the specific channels and websites for accessing the FIFA World Cup 2018 were not readily available. Fans likely followed the matches through local television broadcasts.
United Arab Emirates: beIN Sports Connect held the broadcasting rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. However, the website and TV channels may have been unavailable due to the political situation, impacting how fans accessed the tournament.
Uzbekistan: Fans in Uzbekistan had two main sources for watching the FIFA World Cup 2018: Uzreport TV and Saran Media. While Uzreport TV offered the matches through television broadcasts, Saran secured the rights in the region, making Match TV another option worth checking out.
Yemen: beIN Sports Connect, provided fans in Yemen with access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 online and through television broadcasts.
How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2018 online in Europe
Albania: The Albanian public broadcaster, Radiotelevisioni Shqiptar, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans could access the matches through the channel’s traditional television broadcasts.
Andorra: Fans in Andorra had two main avenues to watch the FIFA World Cup 2018: beIN Sports France and TF1. beIN Sports France provided online streaming and television broadcasts, while TF1 offered live coverage through traditional television.
Armenia: Public Television & Radio Armenia secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018, providing coverage primarily through traditional television broadcasts.
Austria: The Austrian public broadcaster, Oesterreichischer Rundfunk, held the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018, providing access to the matches through both television and online streaming services.
Azerbaijan: Ictimai , the public broadcaster in Azerbaijan, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018, providing coverage primarily through traditional television broadcasts.
Belarus: The Belarusian public broadcaster, Belaruskaja Tele-Radio Companija, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018, offering coverage through both television and online streaming services.
Belgium: In Belgium, two public broadcasters, RTBF and VRT, shared the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Both offered a combination of television and online streaming options, ensuring fans could catch the action through their preferred channels.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: The public broadcaster, BHRT, secured the rights for FIFA World Cup 2018, with fans primarily accessing the matches through traditional television broadcasts.
Bulgaria: Fans in Bulgaria relied on the public broadcaster, BNT, for their FIFA World Cup 2018 coverage. The channel delivered live coverage through its television broadcasts.
Channel Islands: Fans in the Channel Islands had access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 through a joint effort between BBC and ITV. Both provided coverage through their traditional television broadcasts and online streaming platforms.
Croatia: The Croatian public broadcaster, HRT, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans could access the matches through both HRT’s television broadcasts and its online streaming services.
Cyprus: Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation showed the FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans were able to see the matches through traditional television broadcasts.
Czech Republic: The Czech public broadcaster, Ceska Televize, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans could access the matches through both television and online streaming services.
Denmark: Fans in Denmark had two main options to watch the FIFA World Cup 2018: TV2 Denmark AS and Danmarks Radio TV. Both offered coverage through both television and online streaming, ensuring wide and accessible viewing for fans.
Estonia: The Estonian public broadcaster, Eesti Rahvusringhääling, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018, providing coverage through both television and online streaming.
Faroe Islands: Similar to Denmark, fans in the Faroe Islands had two options for accessing FIFA World Cup 2018: TV2 Denmark AS and Danmarks Radio TV. Both offered coverage through television and online streaming options.
Finland: The Finnish public broadcaster, Yleisradio OY, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018, offering fans access through both its television broadcasts and its online streaming services.
France: Fans in France had two main avenues to watch the FIFA World Cup 2018: beIN Sports France and TF1. beIN Sports France provided coverage through both television broadcasts and online streaming. TF1 offered live coverage through traditional television.
Georgia: The Georgian public broadcaster, Georgian Public Broadcasting, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans could access the matches primarily through traditional television broadcasts.
Germany: German fans had two prominent options for watching the FIFA World Cup 2018: ARD and ZDF, both public broadcasters. Each of them streamed 32 matches live.
Greece: The Greek public broadcaster, ERT S.A., held the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans could access the matches through both TV broadcasts and their online streaming services.
Greenland: Similar to Denmark and the Faroe Islands, fans in Greenland had two primary options for accessing FIFA World Cup 2018: TV2 Denmark AS and Danmarks Radio TV. Both offered both television and online streaming options, ensuring convenient access for fans across the region.
Hungary: The Hungarian public broadcaster, Magyar Televizio, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018, providing coverage through both television and online streaming services.
Iceland: Fans in Iceland watched the FIFA World Cup 2018 live on RUV, the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service. RUV provided coverage for the entire tournament through both television and online streaming, ensuring convenience for Icelandic fans.
Ireland: The Irish public broadcaster, RTE, held the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018, offering fans access through both television and online streaming services.
Isle of Man: Fans in the Isle of Man had access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 through a collaboration between BBC and ITV. Both provided coverage through their television broadcasts and online streaming platforms.
Israel: The Israeli public broadcaster, IPBC, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Their website provided viewers access to the tournament online.
Italy: Italian fans had a straightforward path to accessing the FIFA World Cup 2018 through Mediaset Italy, a prominent media group that offered both television and online streaming options.
Kazakhstan: Fans in Kazakhstan enjoyed live coverage via Qazaqstan, the national public broadcaster. Qazaqstan provided coverage mainly through traditional television broadcasts.
Kosovo: The Kosovar public broadcaster, RTK, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans could access the matches through their traditional television broadcasts.
Latvia: The Latvian public broadcaster, Latvijas Televizija, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans primarily accessed the matches through traditional television broadcasts.
Liechtenstein: Liechtenstein joined the ranks of European countries, allowing fans to watch FIFA World Cup 2018 through SRG SSR. This Swiss public broadcasting corporation offered both television and online streaming options, making the tournament accessible to viewers across the region.
Lithuania: The Lithuanian public broadcaster, Lietuvos Radijas Ir Televizija , secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans primarily accessed the matches through traditional television broadcasts.
Luxembourg: The FIFA World Cup 2018 was accessible to fans in Luxembourg through Canaal Digital. Although it appears that Canaal Digital held the rights according to this information, the FIFA website did not have details for Luxembourg, leaving fans to likely rely on local television broadcasts.
Macedonia FYR: The public broadcaster, Macedonian Radio and Television , secured the rights for FIFA World Cup 2018, and provided coverage primarily through traditional television broadcasts.
Malta: Fans in Malta had access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 through Public Broadcasting Services Ltd. (PBS), primarily through traditional television broadcasts.
Moldova: The Moldovan public broadcaster, Teleradio Moldova, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans could access the matches through their television broadcasts.
Monaco: Fans in Monaco had two major options to access FIFA World Cup 2018: beIN Sports France and TF1. beIN Sports France offered both online streaming and television broadcasts. TF1 provided live coverage through traditional television broadcasts.
Montenegro: Fans in Montenegro relied on the public broadcaster, RTCG – Radio Televizija Crne Gore, for their FIFA World Cup 2018 coverage. RTCG offered coverage through both television and online streaming services.
Netherlands: The Dutch public broadcaster, Nederlandse Omroep Stichting , secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans could access the matches through NOS’ television broadcasts and online streaming platforms.
Norway: Fans in Norway had two primary options to watch the FIFA World Cup 2018: TV2 and NRK. Both offered a combination of television and online streaming options, making the tournament accessible to a diverse range of viewers.
Poland: The Polish public broadcaster, Telewizja Polska, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans could access the matches through their traditional television broadcasts.
Portugal: Fans in Portugal enjoyed access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 through a collaboration between three broadcasters: Radio e Televisao de Portugal, SIC, and Sport TV Portugal. All three provided coverage through both television broadcasts and online streaming services.
Romania: Fans in Romania relied on the public broadcaster, Televiziunea Romana, for their FIFA World Cup 2018 coverage. Televiziunea Romana offered both television and online streaming options to viewers across the country.
Russia: The FIFA World Cup 2018 was hosted in Russia, making it a special event for the nation. The tournament was broadcast through a collaboration of JSC Channel One Russia, Match TV, and Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company. All three provided a combination of television and online streaming, allowing fans to catch the action through an array of channels.
San Marino: Fans in San Marino had access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 through Mediaset Italy, a prominent media group that provided both television and online streaming options.
Serbia: The Serbian public broadcaster, Radiotelevizija Srbije, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans could access the matches through their traditional television broadcasts and online streaming services.
Slovakia: The Slovakian public broadcaster, Radio and Television Slovakia, secured the broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2018. Fans could access the matches through both television and online streaming services.
Slovenia: Fans in Slovenia had access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 through Radiotelevizija Slovenija, the Slovenian public broadcaster. Radiotelevizija Slovenija offered coverage through both traditional television broadcasts and online streaming services.
Spain: Spanish fans had access to the FIFA World Cup 2018 through Mediaset España, a prominent media group that provided both television and online streaming options.
Sweden: Fans in Sweden followed the FIFA World Cup 2018 through TV4, a commercial television network. TV4 offered coverage through both television and online streaming, ensuring fans could easily catch the action.
Switzerland: Fans in Switzerland enjoyed access to FIFA World Cup 2018 through SRG SSR, the Swiss public broadcasting corporation. SRG SSR offered both television and online streaming options.
Turkey: Tur
