Channel 4 lands exclusive rights to 2026 Hockey World Cup
Channel 4 has won exclusive broadcast rights for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup home nations matches, bringing live coverage of England, Scotland and Wales to a global audience via its YouTube channel.
The tournament, scheduled for 14 to 30 August in Belgium and the Netherlands, will feature 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams, with Germany defending the men’s title and the Netherlands the women’s crown.
Under a three‑year agreement running from 2024 to 2027, Channel 4 will air England’s men’s and women’s group matches as well as neutral top‑tier fixtures, all without a paywall.
Joe Blake‑Turner, interim head of sport at Channel 4, said the partnership reflects a commitment to “high‑quality, free‑to‑air sports coverage” that can broaden hockey’s reach.
Rich Beer, chief executive of England Hockey, welcomed the deal, noting that free broadcasts are a key driver in raising the sport’s profile and attracting new participants.
The move builds on Channel 4’s existing role as the official broadcaster of the FIH Hockey Pro League, a relationship that has already delivered extensive hockey content to viewers.
By placing every England and Scotland women’s match and every England and Wales men’s group game on YouTube, the broadcaster aims to turn casual viewers into lifelong fans, a strategy that aligns with broader efforts to diversify sports media consumption.
The decision underscores a shifting media landscape where traditional broadcasters are partnering with digital platforms to deliver live sport without subscription barriers.
Industry analysts predict that the model could set a precedent for other international tournaments, especially those seeking to maximize audience size ahead of major events such as the Olympics.
Fans in the United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands will be able to follow the action from the comfort of their homes, a factor that could boost grassroots participation and sponsorship opportunities.