FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on SBS with biggest tournament in history – The wait is over for football fans, with the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially underway and SBS once again bringing the world’s biggest sporting event to Australian audiences.
Coverage began early this morning with the Opening Ceremony from Mexico City Stadium, ahead of the tournament’s first match between co-host nation Mexico and South Africa.
The expanded tournament marks a new era for the FIFA World Cup, with 104 matches played across 16 cities in three host nations, making it the largest edition in the competition’s history.
A historic World Cup begins
The 2026 tournament introduces several firsts, including an expanded format featuring more teams and matches than ever before.
It will also culminate in the competition’s first-ever halftime show during the World Cup Final.
SBS’s coverage is being led by presenters Niav Owens and Claudio Fabiano, guiding Australian viewers through a month of football action from the group stages to the championship decider.
Socceroos and Matildas legends join SBS coverage
Joining SBS’s expert panel are some familiar names from Australian football.
Former Socceroos stars Harry Kewell, Tommy Oar and Andrew Redmayne will provide analysis throughout the tournament, alongside former Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams and former Matilda and football executive Sarah Walsh.
International perspective comes courtesy of former AC Milan midfielder and Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng.
The broadcast team is rounded out by international football presenter Adriano Del Monte, football content creators Adamo De Nigris, Kat Sasso and Sam Jurman, as well as SBS presenters Darren Mara, Breanna Holden and Adrian Arciuli.
The opening matches
Following this morning’s Opening Ceremony, Mexico faced South Africa in the first match of the tournament.
Football fans can continue their World Cup viewing with further matches across the weekend, including:
Friday, 12 June
- Korea Republic v Czechia – Kick-off 12.00pm AEST
Saturday, 13 June
- Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina – Kick-off 5.00am AEST
- USA v Paraguay – Kick-off 11.00am AEST
A month of football on SBS
As the official free-to-air broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup in Australia, SBS will deliver comprehensive coverage of all 104 matches live.
For Australian football supporters, the tournament represents another opportunity to witness the drama, passion and unpredictability that has made the FIFA World Cup one of the most watched sporting events on the planet.
With the opening whistle already blown, the road to football’s ultimate prize has officially begun.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues live across SBS, SBS On Demand and SBS Sport.
Media Release – SBS
Link to SBS on Demand HERE
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FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on SBS with biggest tournament in history
