World Cup 2026 is Live Now
Your comprehensive guide to following Team Melli and the World Cup live across Iran. Find out how to watch free-to-air on IRIB TV3 and stream digitally on Telewebion.
TV Channels
Coverage in Iran is dominated by the state broadcaster, offering free access to the most important matches of the tournament.
Free-to-Air TV
IRIB holds the domestic broadcast rights. The majority of the action will be shown on IRIB TV3 (Shabake 3), which is the network's flagship channel for live sports and will air every Team Melli match. Concurrent matches and additional tournament coverage will be broadcast on IRIB Varzesh (Shabake Varzesh).
Free vs Paid in Iran
Fans in Iran can watch the World Cup without a subscription, as the state broadcaster provides free access to the most crucial matches.
IRIB TV3 and IRIB Varzesh will ensure that the tournament is available to the general public via standard digital antennas and satellite receivers across the country.
Digital options: Telewebion and Anten provide free streaming of these broadcasts, making it easy to watch on phones and computers.
Iran Streaming Apps
Stream the World Cup seamlessly on your devices using these platforms.
VPN & Geo-blocking
If you are traveling abroad during the tournament, Telewebion and Anten will likely be geo-blocked to Iranian IP addresses due to broadcasting rights.
Some fans use an Iran-based VPN to connect to their home streaming services while traveling. Outside of Iran, fans may also check regional broadcasters like beIN Sports for comprehensive coverage of the World Cup in the MENA region.
Match schedule
North American kickoffs mean late nights and early mornings in the Middle East. See when the next matches air converted to Iran Standard Time (IRST).
Iran Fan Shortcuts
View the dedicated group stage path and potential knockout route for Iran.
Track Iran →Don't mess up the math. Auto-detect your local timezone for all 104 matches.
Match times hub →Add all fixtures straight to your Apple, Google, or Outlook calendar.
Get the ICS file →Iran Broadcast FAQ
The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) serves as the primary state broadcaster for the FIFA World Cup in Iran. They hold the domestic rights to televise the tournament across the nation.
Yes! IRIB provides free-to-air coverage of the tournament. You can watch every single group-stage match featuring the Iranian national team (Team Melli), plus the knockout rounds and the final, completely for free.
The majority of the high-profile matches, including Iran’s fixtures, the opening match, and the final, will be broadcast on IRIB TV3 (Shabake 3). Additional coverage and concurrent matches will be shown on IRIB Varzesh (Shabake Varzesh).
Telewebion is the official digital streaming platform for IRIB. You can stream the live feeds of IRIB TV3 and IRIB Varzesh directly through the Telewebion app and website for free. Additionally, sports platforms like Anten often provide coverage.
If you are physically in Iran, you do not need a VPN to access IRIB TV channels or Telewebion. However, if you are outside of Iran, Telewebion’s live sports streams are typically geo-blocked to Iranian IP addresses, requiring a VPN to access.
