On October 29, 2025, FIFA and DAZN dropped a bombshell: by early 2026, the FIFA+ streaming platform will transform into the world’s definitive “global home of soccer” — free for millions, premium for diehards, and backed by a $1 billion deal for the FIFA Club World Cup rights. This isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a full-scale takeover of global soccer streaming, and fans everywhere will feel the ripple effect — whether they’re watching Chelsea vs. LAFC in Atlanta or catching obscure National League matches from a pub in Sunderland.
The $1 Billion Bet on Soccer’s Future
The partnership, solidified in late 2024 and confirmed with a $1 billion commitment in October 2025, isn’t just about broadcasting games. It’s about owning the entire ecosystem. DAZN, already the world’s largest sports streaming platform, will now serve as the exclusive global home for every match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ — all 63 games, streamed live in multiple languages. And it worked. The June 2025 tournament, held across Atlanta, Nashville, and Orlando, broke viewership records. That’s no accident. Mattias Grafström, FIFA Secretary General, called it “remarkably successful,” noting how the free-access model drew in casual fans who’d never watched a club match before.How FIFA+ Will Work in 2026
The relaunched FIFA+ won’t require a subscription to watch most content. That’s the freemium hook. You’ll get live games from over 100 men’s and women’s leagues — from the Norwegian Third Division to Brazil’s Série B — plus highlights, behind-the-scenes docs, fan-made reels, and even influencer takeovers. Think YouTube meets ESPN, but with FIFA’s backing. For those who want more? Premium tiers unlock exclusive commentary, multi-angle replays, and early access to ticket sales for international tournaments. No paywalls for the basics. Just a gentle nudge toward deeper engagement.DAZN’s Soccer Empire Is Already Massive
This isn’t DAZN’s first rodeo. Since 2024, it’s been the exclusive broadcaster of England’s National League — the fifth tier of English football — covering over 600 games per season across North and South divisions. Viewers in more than 200 countries can watch every match live or on-demand, with feature games getting enhanced production. Subscription options? £129.99 upfront, £14.99 monthly, or £19.99 month-to-month. It’s accessible on Sky boxes in the UK, and everywhere else via app on Smart TVs, consoles, and tablets.And that’s just the start. DAZN also holds exclusive UK, Ireland, Canada, and U.S. rights (Spanish-language only) to Serie A 2025-26. Every round. Every goal. Every controversial VAR decision. Plus, the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Saudi Pro League, LIV Golf, and even PDC Darts — all under one roof. This isn’t a streaming service. It’s a sports universe.
Why This Matters Beyond the Screen
The real story here? The collapse of the old pay-TV model. For decades, fans paid for bundles they didn’t want — just to get one league. Now, DAZN and FIFA are flipping that script. They’re betting that fans will pay for depth, not breadth. A fan in Lagos can watch the National League, then switch to the Saudi Pro League, then catch a women’s match from Colombia — all without a credit card. And if they fall in love? They upgrade. It’s a smarter, leaner, more inclusive model.Meanwhile, traditional broadcasters like Sky, ESPN, and beIN are scrambling. They still own big-ticket rights — Premier League, Champions League — but they’re stuck with rigid packages. DAZN’s strategy? Build loyalty through accessibility. Let fans sample the feast before they pay for the steak.
What Comes Next?
The FIFA+ relaunch in early 2026 will coincide with the buildup to the FIFA World Cup 2026 — co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. That’s the ultimate prize. FIFA and DAZN aren’t just building a platform. They’re building momentum. Expect live fan voting for “Goal of the Tournament,” interactive match maps, and AI-powered highlight reels tailored to your favorite team. There’s even talk of integrating blockchain-based digital collectibles tied to historic goals.One thing’s clear: soccer’s future isn’t on cable. It’s on your phone, your TV, your smartwatch — and it’s free to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will FIFA+ really be free to use?
Yes — the core experience of FIFA+ will remain free, offering live streams from over 100 leagues, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content with no subscription needed. You only need to register with an email. Premium features like exclusive commentary and multi-angle replays will require a paid tier, but the basic access mirrors DAZN’s successful freemium model used during the 2025 Club World Cup.
How does this affect fans outside major markets like the U.S. or UK?
This is a game-changer for global fans. Previously, fans in Africa, Southeast Asia, or Latin America had limited access to lower-tier leagues. With FIFA+, leagues like Nigeria’s NPFL, Indonesia’s Liga 1, or the Chilean Primera B will be streamed live — no geo-blocks. DAZN’s global footprint (200+ markets) means even fans in remote areas can now follow their local heroes, something traditional broadcasters rarely offered.
What’s the timeline for the FIFA+ relaunch?
FIFA and DAZN confirmed the relaunch is set for early 2026, with a soft launch likely in January or February. The full rollout will coincide with the final pre-World Cup buildup, including the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup qualifiers. Expect a major marketing push in late 2025, with beta access offered to top DAZN subscribers in select countries before the public release.
How does this impact DAZN’s other sports content?
Nothing changes for NFL, PDC Darts, or LIV Golf — those will remain available on the DAZN app. But soccer will now dominate the homepage and recommendation engine. Expect a unified branding push: DAZN will become the gateway to FIFA+, meaning soccer content will be prioritized in app navigation, push notifications, and even customer service. It’s a strategic shift: DAZN isn’t just a sports platform anymore — it’s becoming a soccer-first brand.
Could this lead to FIFA launching its own standalone app?
Unlikely. FIFA has no history of building direct-to-consumer tech platforms. Its strength is governance, not software. Partnering with DAZN — which already has the infrastructure, AI algorithms, and global payment systems — makes far more sense. FIFA will focus on content rights and branding; DAZN handles the tech, customer service, and monetization. This is a classic case of one entity owning the product, the other owning the audience.
What’s the long-term risk for fans?
The biggest risk is consolidation. If DAZN becomes the sole global gateway to soccer, it could eventually raise prices or limit free access. But for now, the $1 billion deal is locked in, and FIFA’s brand power acts as a check on monopolistic behavior. Plus, competition from Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and even YouTube is growing. So while risks exist, the current model favors fans — at least until 2030.