World Cup 2026 for All: Malaysia Ensures Every Fan Can Watch for Free

World Cup 2026 for All: Malaysia Ensures Every Fan Can Watch for Free

The Malaysian government has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be accessible to all Malaysians at no cost, with Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Unifi TV officially appointed as the nation’s broadcasters for the tournament.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil made the announcement on May 6, stating that the move reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring inclusive, legitimate and comprehensive access to the world’s biggest football event.

Where It Will Be Broadcast

Unifi TV, operated by Telekom Malaysia, will carry all 104 matches live, providing complete coverage of every group stage clash, knockout round and the final. RTM will broadcast the majority of matches either live or on a delayed basis, giving viewers flexibility in how they follow the action.

The deal marks a major shift in Malaysia’s sports broadcasting landscape, ending Astro’s 20-year run as the country’s World Cup broadcaster. Astro confirmed it was outbid, citing rising international rights costs and rampant piracy as factors that diminished the commercial value of the rights.

The Malaysian government has allocated RM24 million towards securing the broadcasting rights, with additional corporate sponsorships expected to be announced soon.

Where to Watch World Cup 2026

When Does World Cup 2026 Start?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, with the opening match taking place in Mexico City. The tournament will run for just over five weeks, with the final scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.

This edition of the World Cup is historic — it is the first to be co-hosted by three nations (United States, Canada and Mexico) and the first to feature an expanded 48-team format, meaning more matches, more drama and more late nights for Malaysian fans tuning in from the other side of the world.

Football Fans Get Ready

With matches hosted across three time zones in North America, Malaysian fans should prepare for some seriously late nights — and early mornings. Most matches are expected to kick off between 12:00 AM and 8:00 AM Malaysia time (GMT+8), with prime-time evening matches in the US and Mexico typically translating to the wee hours here.

The group stage will likely see the heaviest concentration of midnight and predawn kickoffs, while knockout rounds and the final tend to land around 3:00 AM to 8:00 AM Malaysian time. It’s the perfect excuse to stock up on kopi, teh tarik and supper snacks.

Whether you’re gathering at a mamak, tuning in from the comfort of your living room via RTMKlik, or catching delayed broadcasts on RTM the next morning — the 2026 World Cup is truly for every Malaysian. No subscription needed, no paywall in the way. Just pure football, free for all.

Get your alarm clocks ready. It’s going to be one unforgettable summer.