Italy won’t be playing — eliminated for the third straight World Cup. Bosnia-Herzegovina ended the dream in the European playoff in March 2026. But the tournament is still massively popular in Italy. RAI airs 36 matches free (all knockouts from the quarter-finals), Sky Sport has all 104. Focus on Argentina, Brazil, and France.
Where to Watch: Free and Paid
- RAI (Rai 1 / Rai Sport): 36 matches free-to-air — the opening match, top group fixtures, all knockout rounds from quarters onwards, and the final
- Sky Sport: All 104 matches — exclusive rights to approximately 68 group-stage games
- NOW TV: Sky’s streaming-only option for cord-cutters
RAI has broadcast World Cup football since 1954. The broadcaster anticipates 6-8 million viewers per match for knockout rounds featuring popular teams (Argentina, Brazil, France).
How to Start Watching
RAI / Rai 1 (Free)
- Live TV: Rai 1 via digitale terrestre (channel 1), satellite (Tivùsat)
- Streaming: RaiPlay — free, requires account (email registration)
- Devices: iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Fire TV, web browser, HbbTV
- Commentary: Alberto Rimedio and Antonio Di Gennaro (lead commentators), Lele Adani (studio analyst)
- Replays: Full match replays on RaiPlay for 7 days
Sky Sport (Paid — All Matches)
- Price: From €14.90/month via NOW TV; or Sky Q bundle (from €29.90/month)
- Streaming: Sky Go (included with subscription) and NOW TV
- Devices: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, web browser
- 4K UHD: All matches in 4K HDR via Sky Q satellite decoder
- Commentary: Fabio Caressa and Giuseppe Bergomi (legendary Serie A commentary duo)
- Exclusive: ~68 group-stage matches not on RAI
NOW TV (Streaming Only)
- Price: Sport pass €14.90/month (monthly, cancel anytime)
- Quality: Up to 1080p (no 4K on NOW TV)
- Free trial: 7-day trial occasionally available for new subscribers
When to Watch: Kickoff Times in Italy
| US Kickoff (ET) | Italian Time (CEST) | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM ET | 5:00 PM CEST | Group stage |
| 2:00 PM ET | 8:00 PM CEST | Group stage |
| 5:00 PM ET | 11:00 PM CEST | Group stage / Round of 32 |
| 8:00 PM ET | 2:00 AM CEST (+1 day) | Group stage / Knockouts |
Key matches for Italian viewers:
| Date | Match | Italian Time | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 11 | Mexico vs South Africa (opening) | 9:00 PM CEST | Rai 1 |
| June 13 | Brazil vs Morocco | 2:00 AM CEST | Sky Sport |
| June 16 | Argentina vs Algeria | 2:00 AM CEST | Rai 1 |
| July 19 | Final | 10:00 PM CEST | Rai 1 + Sky Sport |
Watch in Person
- Rome, Circo Massimo: Traditional giant-screen location for major football events, free entry
- Milan, Piazza Duomo: City-organized screenings for semi-finals and final
- Naples, Lungomare: Open-air screenings, particularly strong turnout for Argentina matches (the Maradona connection)
- Bar/pub culture: Italian bars universally show World Cup matches; “maxischermo” (big screen) events are organized by local municipalities across the country
Radio
- Rai Radio 1 (Tutto il calcio minuto per minuto): Italy’s legendary sports radio program — live commentary on selected matches
- Radio Deejay: Football coverage with Fabio Volo and Ivan Zazzaroni
FAQ
L’Italia gioca ai Mondiali 2026? No. Italy was eliminated by Bosnia-Herzegovina in the European playoff (March 31, 2026). This is the third consecutive World Cup Italy has missed.
Can I watch for free in Italy? RAI shows 36 matches free on Rai 1 and RaiPlay, including all knockout rounds. Full tournament coverage requires Sky Sport.
What time do matches start in Italy? Between 5:00 PM and 2:00 AM CEST. Prime-time games are at 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM.