ARD and ZDF Announce Broadcast Plans for 2026 World Cup Matches Featuring German Team

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting June 11, will see significant coverage by German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF, with a detailed split of matches involving the German national team and other key fixtures. The tournament, expanding to 48 teams, will have 104 matches in total. ARD and ZDF will broadcast 60 of these live, while Telekom holds rights to 18 exclusive matches during the initial days.

ZDF will air the opening match on June 11 between co-host Mexico and South Africa at 9 PM, as well as the final on July 19 at 9 PM. The German team’s first group stage match on June 14 against newcomers Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to qualify, will be shown live by ARD at 7 PM. ARD will also broadcast Germany's third group match against Ecuador on June 25 at 10 PM, while ZDF covers the second group game against Ivory Coast on June 20 at 10 PM.

If Germany advances, ZDF will broadcast the Round of 16 and likely a quarter-final match involving Germany, while ARD is set to show a potential quarter-final and semi-final featuring the German team. ARD's coverage will begin from June 12 with the Canada versus possibly Italy match at 9 PM. Telekom will provide exclusive coverage of 18 matches in the opening group stages, including high-profile games such as France versus Senegal on June 16 and the USA versus Paraguay on June 12.

This arrangement reflects collaboration between Germany’s leading broadcasters to ensure comprehensive coverage while accommodating the expanded format of the World Cup. The broadcasters' clear division provides fans multiple options to follow the German national team and other exciting fixtures across the tournament.