Setanta Sports has acquired broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Georgia and says all matches will be available free of charge on its OTT platform.
The company says viewers will be able to watch every match from June 11 to July 19 through Setanta Sports TV channels and the platform setantasports.com. Users will only need to register to access the matches online for free.
Setanta Sports says the decision to make the tournament freely accessible online aims to increase access to what it described as the world’s biggest football event.
The broadcaster also said coverage will include a new generation of commentators and production standards aligned with FIFA requirements.
“This tournament brings together millions of people around the world, and we are proud and delighted to be a part of such a sporting celebration,” said Bacha Malazonia. “Broadcasting a tournament of this scale is a huge responsibility for us, as well as a significant opportunity.”
The announcement comes after Georgian Public Broadcaster said it failed to secure exclusive rights to the tournament despite increasing its bids during FIFA’s tender process.
First Channel says it initially entered the bidding process in 2023 through the European Broadcasting Union and submitted multiple offers, including a final bid that reportedly doubled the cost of rights for the 2022 World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams. The competition is scheduled to begin on June 11.
