TVNZ Secures All Whites Broadcasting Rights Following FIFA 2026 World Cup Rights Win

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TVNZ expands World Cup Coverage with All Whites Match rights

August 31, 2025

Public broadcaster Television New Zealand (TVNZ) has substantially broadened its commitment to soccer by acquiring the broadcasting rights for all upcoming matches featuring the All Whites national team in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This move solidifies TVNZ’s position as a central hub for soccer fans in New Zealand.

The agreement, finalized with New Zealand Football, ensures that every All Whites contest before the tournament – hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico – will be accessible to viewers via TVNZ’s channels, its streaming platform TVNZ+, and the official FIFA+ service.

Soccer Ashes Kick Off Expanded Coverage

The expanded coverage begins with the Soccer Ashes series, a highly anticipated home-and-away competition pitting the All Whites against Australia’s Socceroos. The first match is scheduled for Canberra on September 5, followed by a return game in Auckland on September 9. Both encounters will be broadcast on TVNZ’s DUKE channel and streamed on TVNZ+.

Upcoming fixtures Feature European Powerhouses

Looking ahead to 2025, the All Whites are slated to face formidable European teams, including Poland on October 10 and Norway on october 15. An additional two matches are currently unconfirmed and will be announced in November, promising an exciting schedule for New zealand soccer enthusiasts.

TVNZ Launches First Paid Offering

This acquisition coincides with TVNZ’s planned launch of its inaugural pay-television service, stemming from a landmark agreement to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While all All Whites matches and select other games will remain available on free-to-air television, access to the complete tournament schedule will require an event pass subscription to TVNZ+. This represents a important change, marking the first instance of TVNZ implementing fees for content access.

Shifting Landscape in New Zealand Sports Broadcasting

This move signals a shift in the New Zealand sports broadcasting market, as TVNZ steps in as the primary rights holder, replacing Sky NZ, which previously held the main rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Amazon Prime and Stuff also previously broadcast select games on a free-to-air basis.

Did You Know? New Zealand’s participation in the FIFA World cup has seen a surge in national interest, with viewership figures steadily increasing over the past two decades. FIFA reports a global audience of over 3.5 billion for the 2022 World Cup.

Broadcaster	2022 FIFA World cup Rights	2026 FIFA World cup Rights
Sky NZ	Primary Rights Holder	None
Amazon Prime	Select Games (FTA)	None
Stuff	Select Games (FTA)	None
TVNZ	None	Primary rights Holder (with paid option)

Pro tip: Stay updated on All Whites schedules and TVNZ+ subscription details by visiting the official TVNZ website and the New Zealand Football website.

Will this increased accessibility boost the popularity of soccer in New Zealand? And how will TVNZ’s foray into paid subscriptions impact viewing habits?

The Growing popularity of International Soccer

The global appeal of soccer continues to expand, especially in regions where it hasn’t traditionally been a dominant sport. Factors driving this growth include increased media coverage, the accessibility of international leagues through streaming services, and the success of national teams on the world stage.New Zealand, with its growing multicultural population, is showing increased interest in the sport, creating a prime opportunity for broadcasters like TVNZ to capitalize on this trend.

Frequently asked Questions about TVNZ’s World Cup Coverage

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What are the key benefits for advertisers associated with TVNZ’s broadcasting of All Whites matches?

Expanding football Coverage in New Zealand

TVNZ, new Zealand’s state broadcaster, has announced it has secured the broadcasting rights for all matches featuring the All Whites – New Zealand’s national men’s football team – following their qualification for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup. This notable win builds upon TVNZ’s recent acquisition of the rights to broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 itself, solidifying its position as the premier destination for football fans across the country. The deal encompasses all official FIFA Series matches, qualifying games, and pleasant internationals involving the All Whites, ensuring comprehensive coverage for supporters.

Details of the Broadcasting Agreement

the multi-year agreement with FIFA grants TVNZ exclusive free-to-air broadcasting rights for All Whites matches. This means fans will be able to watch their national team compete without needing a subscription to pay-television services. Key aspects of the deal include:

Free-to-Air Access: All matches will be broadcast on TVNZ’s primary channels (TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2) and streamed live on TVNZ+.

digital Streaming: TVNZ+ will offer on-demand replays, highlights, and extended content related to the All Whites.

Multi-Platform Coverage: Coverage extends beyond television and streaming to include updates and analysis on TVNZ’s website and social media channels.

FIFA Series Inclusion: The agreement covers all FIFA Series matches, providing a platform for the All Whites to gain valuable international experience.

The Importance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Expansion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format of 48 teams – a significant increase from the traditional 32-team tournament. This expansion dramatically increases the All Whites’ chances of qualifying and participating on the world stage. The expanded tournament also presents a larger commercial possibility for broadcasters like TVNZ.

This expansion is a game-changer for smaller footballing nations like New Zealand. More qualification spots mean a greater opportunity to compete against the world’s best. The increased global interest in the tournament, coupled with the All Whites’ potential participation, is expected to drive significant viewership and engagement.

impact on New Zealand Football Fans

This broadcasting deal is a major win for New Zealand football fans. Previously, access to All Whites matches has been fragmented across various platforms, often requiring paid subscriptions. TVNZ’s free-to-air coverage ensures that more Kiwis can support their national team.

Here’s how fans will benefit:

increased Accessibility: Easier access to watch the All Whites compete.

Enhanced Viewing Experience: High-quality broadcasts on TVNZ’s channels and streaming platform.

Comprehensive Coverage: Access to live matches, replays, highlights, and analysis.

Community Engagement: Opportunities to connect with other fans through TVNZ’s digital platforms.

TVNZ’s Strategy and Future Football Coverage

TVNZ’s investment in football broadcasting rights signals a broader strategy to strengthen its sports content offering. The broadcaster recognizes the growing popularity of football in New Zealand, fueled by the All Whites’ recent successes and the increasing global appeal of the sport.

Beyond the All Whites and the FIFA World Cup, TVNZ is expected to explore opportunities to broadcast other major football leagues and tournaments. this could include:

UEFA Champions League: The premier club competition in European football.

English Premier League: One of the most-watched football leagues globally.

Other International Tournaments: Such as the UEFA European Championship and the Copa América.

Historical Context: All Whites Broadcasting Deals

Historically, broadcasting rights for the All Whites have been held by a mix of free-to-air and pay-television providers. Sky Sport has been a long-term partner, providing extensive coverage of the team’s matches. however, TVNZ’s recent acquisition marks a shift towards greater free-to-air access, aligning with the public broadcaster’s mandate to provide content for all New Zealanders.

A notable example was the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where the All Whites famously drew with Italy in their opening match.That tournament generated significant national interest, and TVNZ’s coverage played a crucial role in capturing the excitement. The current deal aims to replicate that success and build upon the growing momentum of New Zealand football.

Benefits for Sponsors and Advertisers

The increased viewership and engagement associated with All Whites broadcasts present a valuable opportunity for sponsors and advertisers. TVNZ will offer a range of advertising and sponsorship packages, allowing brands to reach a large and passionate audience. Key benefits include:

Brand Visibility: exposure to a highly engaged audience of football fans.

Targeted Advertising: Opportunities to target specific demographics and interests.

Association with a Positive Brand: Aligning with the All Whites and the values of sportsmanship and national pride.

* Digital Integration: Opportunities to integrate advertising campaigns with TVNZ’s digital platforms.

Practical Tips for Fans: How to Stay updated

Here are some practical tips for fans to stay updated on All Whites matches and TVNZ’s coverage:

1. Download the TVNZ+ App: