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Archived guide. The 2026 World Cup finished on 19 July 2026 — this page is kept as a record of how the tournament was broadcast in China. For current football, see how to watch football legally while travelling.
CN
FREE TO AIR
China
FREE TO AIR CONFIRMED

How the 2026 World Cup
was broadcast in China

Confirmed since reporting; CMG/CCTV all platforms (verify near kickoff)

Where to watch in China

UPDATED 2026-05-05
CCTV FREE
App: CCTV
Free matches
104
Free streaming
CCTV
Coverage
FREE TO AIR

Watching football away from China?

Domestic broadcasters geo-block their streams outside the country, so a subscription you pay for at home stops working the moment you travel. Our evergreen guide explains the legitimate way around it.

How to watch football legally while travelling →

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2026 World Cup free to watch in China?
Yes — all 104 matches were free to air in China via CCTV. No subscription was needed.
How did fans watch China's coverage from abroad?
Fans travelling abroad used a VPN set to a China server to reach their home broadcaster, since those streams are geo-blocked outside the country. The same approach still works for ongoing domestic league football — see our evergreen guide on watching football legally while travelling.
Which app streamed the World Cup in China?
CCTV was the main free streaming option in China.

Other countries in Asia & Pacific

Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Indonesia All 78 nations →
📅 Full match schedule → 🔒 Best VPNs for the World Cup →