Hey fellow Canadian footy fans 👋! The 2026 FIFA World Cup — the first ever co-hosted by three nations (Canada, the U.S., and Mexico) — is just around the corner, and I know you’re dying to make sure you don’t miss a single kick, goal, or dramatic save. With 48 teams, 104 matches (up from 64 in 2022!), and Canada playing on home soil 🇨🇦, this tournament is going to be historic. But let’s be real: figuring out how to watch it all (legally!) can be confusing. That’s why I’ve put together the ULTIMATE guide — updated March 2026 — with everything you need to know: TV channels, streaming options, free hacks, 4K details, and even Team Canada’s group stage schedule. Let’s dive in!
⚽ First, The Basics: 2026 FIFA World Cup Key Details (Canada Local Time)
Before we get into watching, let’s recap the tournament essentials so you can mark your calendars:
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📅 Tournament Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026 (40 days of action — the longest World Cup ever!)
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🚀 Opening Match: June 11, 2026 (Mexico City, Mexico vs. South Africa)
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🏠 Canada’s First Home Match: June 12, 2026 (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT, Toronto’s BMO Field)
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🏆 Final: July 19, 2026 (New York/New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium)
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📊 Format: 48 teams split into 12 groups (6 matches per group), 104 total matches — that’s 40 more games than the 2022 Qatar World Cup! 📈 FIFA’s Official 2026 World Cup Page
Pro Tip: This is the first World Cup with 48 teams, so there are more underdog stories and late-night (or early-morning!) matches to enjoy. Trust me — you’ll want to be prepared.
📺 The Big News: Bell Media Has Exclusive Rights in Canada
Let’s cut to the chase: Bell Media owns the exclusive English and French broadcast rights for the 2026 World Cup in Canada. That means all 104 matches will be on their networks: TSN (English), CTV (English), and RDS (French). No other major platform (DAZN, Fubo, etc.) will have live matches — so stick to these official sources to avoid missing out (and to watch legally!).
🇬🇧 English-Language Coverage: TSN vs. CTV (What’s the Difference?)
As a die-hard fan, I know you want to pick the right platform for your viewing style. Let’s break down TSN and CTV — the two English-language broadcasters — so you can choose what works best for you.
📊 TSN vs. CTV: Quick Comparison
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Feature
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TSN (English)
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CTV (English)
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|---|---|---|
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Coverage Level
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Full: All 104 matches (every single game!)
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Select: Major games, all Team Canada matches, Opening Match, Final
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Best For
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Die-hard fans who don’t want to miss any group stage or knockout game
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Casual fans, family viewing, or anyone who just wants the biggest matches
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Key Perks
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24/7 World Cup programming, pre-game shows, tactical analysis, multiple feeds
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Free over-the-air (OTA) access for big games, no subscription needed with an antenna
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4K Availability
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Yes (select matches, including all Canada home games)
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Yes (select matches, including Final and Canada matches)
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🔴 TSN: The Ultimate Destination for Die-Hard Fans
TSN is the “Tournament Home” for the 2026 World Cup in Canada — and for good reason. It’s airing all 104 matches across TSN 1–5 (channels rotate based on the schedule), so you’ll never miss a game, even if two are happening at the same time.
Here’s how to watch TSN:
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Live TV (Cable/Satellite): Tune into TSN1, TSN2, TSN3, TSN4, or TSN5 (check your cable guide for match assignments). Included in most sports cable packages.
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Streaming (TSN Go): If you have a cable/satellite subscription, stream live matches, replays, and highlights on TSN.ca or the TSN App (available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TVs). Just log in with your TV provider credentials.
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TSN+ (Standalone Streaming): No cable? No problem! TSN+ is a standalone streaming service that gives you access to all 104 matches (same as TSN cable).
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Cost: $24.99 CAD/month (no annual contract — cancel anytime after the tournament!)
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Devices: Web browsers, phones, tablets, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TVs.
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Perk: Exclusive enhanced feeds and on-demand highlights. Sign up for TSN+ here
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🟡 CTV: Free Access to the Biggest Games
If you’re a casual fan or just want to watch Canada play (without paying a dime), CTV is your best friend. It’s airing all Team Canada matches, the Opening Match, the Final, and other marquee games (like Brazil, Argentina, or Germany’s key matches).
Here’s how to watch CTV:
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Over-the-Air (OTA) — 100% Free!: Buy a digital TV antenna (cost: $20–$50 CAD, indoor or outdoor) and tune to your local CTV station. This is the only truly free way to watch the World Cup in Canada — no subscription, no cable, just pure footy joy. Find your local CTV channel here
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Cable/Satellite: Included in basic TV packages (no extra cost).
🗣️ French-Language Coverage: RDS (Your Go-To for Francophone Fans)
For French-speaking fans, Bell Media’s RDS is the exclusive home for all 104 matches. RDS offers live French commentary, pre-game analysis, and all the drama of the World Cup in your preferred language. Here’s how to watch:
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Platform
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Cost
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Cable Required?
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Coverage
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|---|---|---|---|
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RDS (Cable/Satellite)
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Included in French cable packages
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Yes
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All 104 matches (live + highlights)
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RDS Go
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Free (with TV provider login)
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Yes
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All 104 matches (streaming)
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RDS Direct (Standalone)
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~$24.99 CAD/month
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No
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All 104 matches (for cord-cutters)
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Note: RDS is not available over-the-air (OTA) in most Canadian markets, so French-speaking cord-cutters will need RDS Direct to watch all matches. Visit RDS.ca for more details
📱 Streaming Options: TV + Mobile + Smart Devices (All Covered!)
We live in a mobile world, so I know you want to watch the World Cup on the go — whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just chilling on the couch with your tablet. Here’s a breakdown of all official streaming options in Canada:
🎮 English Streaming
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TSN+: Best for cord-cutters (all 104 matches, $24.99/month). Works on web, phones, tablets, and streaming devices. Sign up now
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TSN Go: Free for cable subscribers (all 104 matches). App available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, etc.
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CTV App/CTV.ca: Free for cable subscribers or OTA viewers (select matches: Canada, Final, Opening Match). Download the CTV App
🎮 French Streaming
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RDS Go: Free for cable subscribers (all 104 matches). App available on iOS, Android, and smart TVs.
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RDS Direct: Standalone streaming for French cord-cutters (~$24.99/month, all 104 matches). Sign up for RDS Direct
Important: There are no major alternative streaming services (like DAZN, Fubo, or Netflix) carrying the 2026 World Cup live in Canada. Bell Media’s exclusive rights mean only TSN, CTV, and RDS have legal live streams. Avoid unlicensed streams — they’re unreliable and may violate copyright laws!
💸 Free & Cost-Saving Ways to Watch (100% Legal!)
You don’t need to break the bank to watch the World Cup. Here are my top tips for watching for free or saving money:
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Digital Antenna (OTA) for CTV: As mentioned earlier, a $20–$50 CAD digital antenna lets you watch all Canada matches, the Final, and other big games for free. This is the best hack for casual fans. Shop digital antennas on Best Buy
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Share a TSN+ Subscription: TSN+ allows multiple devices to stream at the same time (check their terms for details). Split the $24.99/month cost with friends or family to save money.
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Cancel TSN+ After the Tournament: Since there’s no annual contract, you can subscribe for just June and July (2 months = $49.98 CAD total) and cancel once the Final is over.
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TSN Radio: If you’re on the road or don’t have access to a screen, TSN Radio broadcasts all 104 matches in English across major Canadian cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc.). Listen via the iHeartRadio app for free.
🇨🇦 Team Canada: Group Stage Schedule (Local Time) — DON’T MISS THESE!
Canada is co-hosting, so we get to watch our boys play on home soil — how exciting is that?! 🎉 Canada is in Group B with the UEFA Play-off A Winner (could be Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, or Bosnia), Qatar, and Switzerland. All Canada matches will air on CTV (free OTA) and TSN (full coverage), plus RDS for French viewers.
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Match
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Date
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Time (ET / PT)
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Opponent
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Venue
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TV Channels
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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B1 vs B4
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June 12, 2026
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15:00 / 12:00
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Canada vs. UEFA Play-off A Winner
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BMO Field, Toronto
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CTV, TSN, RDS
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B1 vs B3
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June 18, 2026
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TBA (Afternoon ET)
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Canada vs. Qatar
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BC Place, Vancouver
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CTV, TSN, RDS
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B1 vs B2
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June 24, 2026
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TBA (Afternoon ET)
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Canada vs. Switzerland
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BC Place, Vancouver
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CTV, TSN, RDS
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Note: Exact times for Canada’s 2nd and 3rd group matches will be confirmed by FIFA and Bell Media soon. I’ll update this guide as soon as they’re released — follow me for updates! Also, Canada’s group matches are all scheduled for afternoons (ET) to make it easy for Canadian fans to watch 🇨🇦.
🖼️ 4K Coverage: Watch the World Cup in Stunning Detail
If you have a 4K TV, you’re in luck! TSN and CTV will broadcast select matches in 4K, including all Team Canada home games, the Opening Match, and the Final. Here’s what you need to know to watch in 4K:
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TV/Device Requirements: A 4K TV, 4K-capable cable box (if using cable), or 4K streaming device (Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra, Amazon Fire TV 4K, Samsung Smart TV 4K).
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Internet Speed: Minimum 25 Mbps for 4K streaming (10 Mbps for HD). If your internet is slower, you’ll still get HD quality (which is still great!).
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Channels/Apps: 4K coverage will be available on TSN 4K (cable) and the TSN/CTV apps (streaming) — look for the “4K” label next to match listings.
💡 Pro Tips for a Perfect World Cup Viewing Experience
As a seasoned sports fan, I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure I never miss a moment. Here are my top tips for 2026:
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Set Match Alerts: Use the TSN or CTV app to set notifications for kickoff times, score updates, and key moments. Never forget a Canada match again!
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Check TSN Channel Rotations: TSN shuffles matches between TSN1–5, so check the TSN schedule (or your cable guide) daily to see which channel is airing which game. Check TSN’s daily schedule here
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Avoid VPNs for International Streams: While some fans use VPNs to access international broadcasters (like BBC/ITVX in the UK), this may violate the service’s terms of use — and Bell Media’s coverage is just as good (if not better!) for Canadian viewers.
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Stock Up on Snacks: Let’s be real — no World Cup viewing party is complete without chips, wings, and your favorite drink. Plan ahead so you don’t have to pause the game to run to the grocery store! 🍻
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Follow Bell Media Socials: TSN, CTV, and RDS post updates on match schedules, channel changes, and 4K coverage. Follow them on Twitter/Instagram for the latest news.
📌 Final Recap: What’s the Best Option for You?
Let’s make it simple — choose your viewing style, and I’ll tell you what to use:
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✅ Casual Fan (Only Canada + Big Games): Digital antenna for CTV (free!) + CTV App for streaming on the go.
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✅ Die-Hard Fan (All 104 Matches): TSN+ (cord-cutters) or TSN cable + TSN Go.
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✅ French-Speaking Fan: RDS cable (if you have it) or RDS Direct (cord-cutters).
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✅ On-the-Go Fan: TSN App (cable subscribers) or TSN+ (cord-cutters) + TSN Radio for audio.
🆕 Quick Reference Table (All Platforms in One Place)
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Platform
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Live Watch
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Free Option?
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Cable Required?
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Language
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Device Support
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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CTV (OTA)
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✔️ Selected Matches
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✔️ (Antenna)
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❌
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English
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TV
|
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CTV (Cable/Streaming)
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✔️ Selected Matches
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✔️ (Cable Sub)
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✅
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English
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TV, App, Web
|
|
TSN (Cable)
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✔️ All 104 Matches
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❌
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✅
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English
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TV, App, Web
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|
TSN+
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✔️ All 104 Matches
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❌
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❌
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English
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Web, App, Streaming Devices
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|
RDS (Cable)
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✔️ All 104 Matches
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❌
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✅
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French
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TV, App, Web
|
|
RDS Direct
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✔️ All 104 Matches
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❌
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❌
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French
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Web, App, Streaming Devices
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🎊 Final Thoughts
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be one for the history books — Canada’s first time co-hosting, 48 teams, 104 matches, and our boys playing at home. With this guide, you’re fully prepared to watch every moment, whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard footy fanatic. Remember: stick to official Bell Media platforms (TSN, CTV, RDS) for the best, most reliable coverage.
Updated: March 3, 2026 — All information is current as of publication. Check TSN, CTV, and RDS websites for the latest updates.