How to Watch World Cup 2026 in Ireland 🇮🇪
All 104 matches free on RTE and Virgin Media. No subscription needed.
RTE One & RTE Two
92 matches on RTE television. The remaining 12 matches are on RTE Player only. No subscription needed.
RTE Player
Free streaming on iOS, Android, Apple TV and smart TVs.
Virgin Media Television
Shares coverage with RTE across group stage and knockout rounds.
Virgin Media Player
Free streaming app on iOS and Android.
LISTED EVENT
The World Cup is a listed event under EU regulations — key matches including the opening match, semi-finals and Final must be free to air in Ireland.
⏰ Kick Off Times (IST — UTC+1, same as UK)
🏟️ Opening match Mexico vs South Africa: June 11, 8:00pm IST
🏆 Final: July 19, 11:00pm IST
Frequently Asked Questions
Is World Cup 2026 free in Ireland?
Yes — all 104 matches are free on RTE and Virgin Media. No subscription needed.
What channel is World Cup 2026 on in Ireland?
RTE One, RTE Two and Virgin Media Television share coverage. 92 matches on RTE TV plus 12 RTE Player exclusives.
Can I stream World Cup 2026 in Ireland?
Yes — RTE Player and Virgin Media Player both stream free on all devices.
What time does World Cup 2026 start in Ireland?
Opening match at 8:00pm IST on June 11. Same times as the UK — Ireland and the UK share the UTC+1 summer time zone.
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