-- The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a landmark event in football history. For the first time ever, the tournament will be hosted across three nations - the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Games will be staged across 16 cities in North America from June 11 to July 19, although most will be played in the US. FIFA have also expanded the tournament to 48 teams for the first time.
This gives smaller nations such as New Zealand a better chance of progressing to the World Cup. With that in mind, here is a comprehensive guide to the tournament for Kiwi fans.
Ticket Sales
With New Zealand on track to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, getting tickets will be a top priority for many football fans.
Tickets are not on sale yet, but FIFA has confirmed that information will be accessible on their official website closer to the tournament date.
Official channels will likely begin selling World Cup tickets during 2025 but Kiwi fans can sign up to newsletters to get the latest update as they become available.
New Zealand supporters who want to travel to North America will need to buy tickets quickly once sales commence as demand is expected to far exceed supply for the landmark event.
FIFA's official platform will be the safest and most reliable way to buy tickets. Pre-registration for ticket alerts is already open on FIFA's website, and fans have been told they can sign up.
Ticket sales generally take place in phases, typically starting with exclusive pre-sales for Visa cardholders before they begin the circulation of general tickets.
For fans hoping to enjoy the premium experience, FIFA has all the bases covered. They have already established a partnership with ON Location to make sure hospitality packages are available.
These services could include priority access, VIP experiences and concierge services. Fans can get more information on those packages through FIFA’s official website or other approved channels.
Fans travelling from New Zealand must organise accommodation and transport early. With matches spread across 16 cities in North America, fans need to carefully plan their itineraries.
Betting
The World Cup is the most watched football event on the planet so there is no surprise that it also draws plenty of attention from the betting community.
With an expanded format on the horizon, there will be an unprecedented surge in betting activity, especially from New Zealand punters, with the All Whites set to grace the global stage.
While betting undoubtedly adds an element of excitement to the World Cup experience, punters must remember that it is important to bet responsibly and use authorised platforms.
Navigating the betting landscape can be challenging, especially with an array of online sportsbooks to choose from. Trustworthy comparison websites help punters choose the right platform.
According to research conducted by Bettingtop10 New Zealand, three sportsbooks stand out for their track record and user experience for Kiwi punters:
- PlayUp is renowned for its exceptional sports coverage and is a trusted choice for football bettors. They offer some of the best odds on the market, a user interface that is relatively easy to navigate and a secure betting environment.
- Picklebet is another trusted platform for Kiwi bettors. It was initially an eSports-focused bookmaker, but has expanded its offerings to include football and other popular sports.
- 22Bet is a globally recognised sportsbook that offers plenty of market options on football and will be inundated with wagers when the World Cup rolls around.
Live Streaming
Despite the furore surrounding the 2026 World Cup, not every fan will be able to afford a trip to North America to catch all the action live.
However, fans who stay behind will not be left stranded with numerous broadcast and streaming platforms already lined up to ensure no one misses a single moment from the showpiece event.
The World Cup is usually aired by major networks and streaming platforms in New Zealand, and the upcoming tournament should be no different.
The official broadcasters of the 2026 World Cup in New Zealand have yet to be confirmed, but major outlets such as Sky Sports have a history of covering all the action from the showpiece.
Free-to-air options could also be available through partnerships with local channels, especially for some of the big games, either in the group stage or the knockout phase. Some of the streaming options that could be available include Sky Go, FIFA+ and other third-party platforms.
If Sky Sports retains its right to broadcast the World Cup, fans will be able to stream matches on its sister app, Sky Go, through mobile devices, tablets and computers.
Depending on the broadcaster, fans may also be able to watch the World Cup from third party platforms such as Spark Sport or other regional service providers.
FIFA-owned streaming service, FIFA+, has previously offered free access to match highlights, documentaries and other exclusive World Cup-related content.
While it may not stream live World Cup matches, Kiwi fans will be able to catch up with all the key highlights of the action in North America.
It would be wise to keep an eye on announcements from local broadcasters and FIFA regarding broadcast rights and streaming options as the tournament approaches.
Subscribing to relevant sports packages or streaming services ahead of time will ensure fans do not miss a beat when the World Cup gets underway.
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