Where to legally watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup? ČT, Nova, Oneplay and apps

The FIFA World Cup starts tomorrow, and for the first time in twenty years, the Czech national team is playing in it. However, broadcasting isn’t as simple this year as it used to be — two TV stations have split the rights, and due to the time difference, matches are even played at four in the morning. Therefore, I’ve put together an overview of where you can legally tune into the championship, what’s free, and where you’ll have to pay extra.

Who broadcasts what: ČT and Nova split the tournament

The main rights holder for the Czech Republic is Czech Television, which, however, resold part of the broadcasts to the Nova group — the same model as for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The reason is simple: the tournament has expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, which is simply too much for the capacity (and budget) of one television station. Each station will thus broadcast 50 matches exclusively, and the four most important ones — the opening match, both semi-finals, the final, and the matches of the Czech national team — will run on both simultaneously. For Czech matches, you can therefore choose whose commentary suits you better.

Good news: the entire championship is available on free-to-air broadcasting. The main channels are ČT sport and Nova Action, with selected attractive matches potentially appearing on the main Nova channel as well. The only catch — not everyone might have Nova Action tuned in. It broadcasts on terrestrial Multiplex 24, so if you don’t see it in your program list, try a new automatic TV tuning.

And when do the Czechs play? Set your alarm, the time difference is merciless:

Generally, expect kick-offs at 18:00, 21:00, midnight, 3:00 AM, and 6:00 AM. Two out of three Czech matches are therefore played at night — this is a shame from my point of view, but America won’t adapt to us.

Online for free: ČT sport Plus, iVysílání and the red button

Don’t have a TV with you? You can watch matches produced by ČT for free and without registration on the ČT sport website, in the ČT sport app (Android, iOS) via the ČT sport Plus interface, or in iVysílání. The HbbTV red button also works on smart TVs. Just be aware of one thing: streams primarily work within the territory of the Czech Republic. If you go on a seaside holiday, you probably won’t be able to watch them due to geoblocking.

ČT is also preparing an interesting new feature called Match Buddy — a parallel stream to the main broadcast with live statistics, multiview from several cameras at once, and for Czech matches, commentary from a data analyst. A blast for numbers fans.

A specific option is streams from betting companies: TV Tipsport and TV Chance are offering all tournament matches live for free this year, with their own commentators. However, the condition is registration of a gaming account, i.e., identity verification and being 18+. In my opinion, it’s more of an emergency option for those who already have an account.

Paid option: Oneplay is the only one with all 104 matches

You cannot watch matches belonging to Nova online for free — Nova directs them to the paid platform Oneplay. This is also the only place in the Czech Republic where you can find all 104 matches digitally in one place, including those from ČT, plus accompanying features: rewind, camera switching, statistics, and highlights.

How much does it cost? Nova Action is part of all Oneplay tariffs, and ČT sport can be found already in the basic Komfort tariff for 199 Kč per month. So, for the World Cup itself, you don’t need the most expensive sports tariffs. Newcomers can also activate a 7-day free trial (requiring card entry and timely cancellation). And honestly — the group stage lasts from June 11 to June 27, so with one monthly subscription without commitment, you’ll cover practically the entire tournament for two hundred crowns.

Quick summary
✅ The entire 2026 World Cup is free on TV in the Czech Republic — ČT sport and Nova Action are enough.
✅ Czech matches are broadcast simultaneously by both TV stations, you choose the commentary.
⚠️ Only ČT matches are free online; half of the tournament from Nova requires Oneplay or a classic antenna.
⚠️ Match times: most at night, Czechs play twice between 3 and 4 AM.
💡 Tip: for the entire tournament on mobile, one month of Oneplay Komfort for 199 Kč is enough — no commitment, cancel after the final.

Price/availability verified on June 10, 2026.

And how will you handle it — will you get up for the Koreans at four in the morning, or would you rather watch highlights over breakfast?

Sources: ČT, OnePlay, own