Watch the World Cup 2026 in Germany
Many matches of the 2026 World Cup are free in Germany. Here is where they stream at home, and how a travelling German fan can still reach their own free broadcaster while away.
How to watch at home
- Cost
- Free (around 60 of 104 matches)
- Stream on
- ARD/ZDF Mediathek
- More matches
- Magenta TV (paid)
The public broadcasters ARD and ZDF stream around 60 of the 104 matches free in the ARD/ZDF Mediathek. Magenta TV carries all 104 on a paid plan, so for ARD/ZDF's matches there is nothing to pay.
Watching from abroad (legitimately)
The ARD/ZDF Mediathek is geo-locked to Germany, so leave the country and your own home stream usually will not load. If you are a German fan travelling during the tournament, you can connect to a server back home to reach the matches ARD and ZDF show, the same coverage you would watch at home.
- Install a VPN. Pick one from the comparison below and set it up.
- Connect to a German server. If one is busy, try another German city.
- Open the ARD/ZDF Mediathek and sign in if prompted.
- Press play and watch the match.
A VPN has a second benefit while you travel: it keeps your connection private on hotel and public Wi-Fi, so your browsing stays your own business.
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Best VPNs for watching the World Cup from abroad
For reaching a broadcast you’re entitled to while travelling, and staying private on hotel & public Wi-Fi.
- 1NordVPN Best overall
Largest server network, reliably reaches home broadcasters, fast enough for HD streams.
- Huge server choice
- Consistent at reaching iPlayer/SBS/ARD
- Strong speeds for HD
from ~$3.39/mo Get NordVPN - 2Surfshark Best value
Cheapest of the group and allows unlimited devices, good for households.
- Lowest price
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- Simple apps
from ~$2.19/mo Get Surfshark - 3CyberGhost Longest trial
Streaming-optimised servers and the longest money-back window, low-risk to try.
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Servers labelled by streaming service
- Beginner-friendly
from ~$2.19/mo Get CyberGhost
Prices vary by plan and region; check the live price on each provider's site. Only connect to reach content you're entitled to. Using a VPN doesn't grant access to services you haven't paid for.
Common questions
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch ARD or ZDF from abroad?
Using a VPN is legal in Germany and in most countries. The important part is what you stream: you should only watch content you are entitled to. Here that means your own free home broadcaster, the ARD/ZDF Mediathek, for the matches they show free. Always follow each service’s terms of use.
Is the ARD/ZDF Mediathek really free?
Yes, for the matches ARD and ZDF carry. Between them the public broadcasters stream around 60 of the 104 2026 World Cup matches free in the ARD and ZDF Mediathek (including Germany games, the semi-finals and the final). Magenta TV holds wider rights and carries all 104 on a paid plan, so treat ARD/ZDF as the free option for the matches they broadcast.
Which server should I connect to?
Connect to a server located in Germany. That lets your licensed home broadcaster load normally while you travel. If one German server is busy, try another German city. Most VPNs offer several.
Will a VPN be fast enough for HD?
A good VPN on a reasonable connection is generally fast enough for HD streaming. Pick a nearby or well-provisioned German server, and if a stream stutters, switch to another one. The providers in the box below are chosen partly for streaming speed.
Broadcast rights and per-match schedules can change, and which matches sit with ARD/ZDF versus Magenta TV varies. Confirm kickoff-specific availability on the broadcaster's own site (sportschau.de, zdf.de) before the match.