You don’t need to pay for France’s matches. TF1 airs all Les Bleus games free on TV and TF1+ streaming. beIN Sports (€15/month) is only necessary if you want every group-stage match. Kickoffs fall between 5 PM and 2 AM CEST — most in the 8 PM and 11 PM prime slots.
Where to Watch: Free and Paid
French World Cup broadcasting follows a dual free/premium model:
- TF1: 28 matches free-to-air — all France matches, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final
- beIN Sports: All 104 matches — 76 exclusive group-stage games plus simulcast of TF1’s selections
- M6: Sub-licensed selection of 6-8 matches, primarily early group-stage fixtures
TF1’s deal is part of a long-standing agreement: the channel has broadcast every World Cup final since 1998, when France won the title at the Stade de France.
How to Start Watching
TF1 / TF1+ (Free)
- Live TV: TF1 via TNT (channel 1), cable, satellite (Astra, Eutelsat)
- Streaming: TF1+ — free with ads, account required (email registration)
- Devices: iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, web browser
- Studio team: Grégoire Margotton (commentator), Bixente Lizarazu (analyst), Denis Brogniart (presenter)
- Replays: Full match replays on TF1+ for 7 days
beIN Sports (Paid — All Matches)
- Price: €15/month via beIN Sports Connect or through Canal+ bundles (from €25.99/month)
- Streaming: beIN Sports Connect app and web player
- Devices: iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire TV, web browser
- 4K UHD: Available via Canal+ 4K decoder for all matches
- Commentary: French-language with Florian Music and Eric Di Meco (analysts)
- Exclusive content: Pre/post-match studio shows, tactical analysis, all 104 matches
M6 (Free — Limited Selection)
- Live TV: M6 via TNT (channel 6)
- Streaming: 6play — free with ads
- Selection: 6-8 group-stage matches featuring major teams (non-France)
When to Watch: Kickoff Times in France
| US Kickoff (ET) | French 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 |
France’s Group I schedule (French times):
| Date | Match | French Time | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 15 | France vs Senegal | 8:00 PM CEST | TF1 |
| June 20 | France vs Norway | 11:00 PM CEST | TF1 |
| June 25 | France vs Iraq | 8:00 PM CEST | TF1 |
Watch in Person
- Paris, Champ-de-Mars (Tour Eiffel Fan Zone): The iconic fan zone returns with capacity 90,000, giant screens, free entry — the largest in Europe
- Lyon, Place Bellecour: Official fan zone, capacity 20,000
- Marseille, Vieux-Port: Open-air screenings along the harbor
- Bordeaux, Place des Quinconces: Southern France’s main fan gathering
- Bars and cafés: French law requires establishments showing matches to hold a public viewing licence; most major sports bars (O’Sullivan’s chain, The Bombardier) are licensed
Radio
- RMC Sport: Full commentary on all France matches and selected other fixtures
- France Inter: Live commentary on key matches
- Europe 1: Match-day programming with pre/post-match shows
- Podcast: “L’After Foot” (RMC) runs daily during the tournament
FAQ
Les matchs de la France sont-ils gratuits? Oui. All France matches air on TF1 (free-to-air) and stream on TF1+ at no cost.
Is beIN Sports worth subscribing to? If you want every match beyond France’s games, yes. At €15/month it’s the only way to see all 104 matches in France.
What time do matches kick off in France? Between 5:00 PM and 2:00 AM CEST. Most prime-time games start at 8:00 PM or 11:00 PM.
Is 4K available in France? beIN Sports offers 4K via Canal+ 4K decoder. TF1 broadcasts in HD but has not confirmed 4K.