TBC confirms free-to-air World Cup coverage

DODOMA: TANZANIA Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) will air 34 matches from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing official rights to broadcast selected fixtures of the tournament, giving Tanzanians free access to some of football’s biggest matches. The state broadcaster announced in Dodoma yesterday that the package includes the opening match, both semi-finals, the thirdplace play-off and the final. A total of 17 matches will be aired during the group stage and another 17 during the knockout rounds through television, radio and digital platforms. The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, kicks off tomorrow and concludes on July 19. The Acting TBC Director General, Upendo Mbele said the broadcaster had completed preparations to deliver quality coverage of the tournament across the country. “Given TBC’s vast experience in broadcasting national and international sporting events, Tanzanians should be assured of quality coverage and the opportunity to follow the matches free of charge from wherever they are,” she said. Mbele said FIFA allocates World Cup broadcasting rights through commercial agreements involving public broadcasters across different countries. She added that African broadcasters, through the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), continue to work to expand access to major sporting events across the continent. ALSO READ: East Africa takes centre stage at World Cup concert TBC Head of Sports Desk, Evance Mhando, said the broadcaster will air 34 matches, including the opening match, both semifinals, the third-place play-off and the final. He said 17 matches will be shown during the group stage and another 17 during the knockout rounds. “We will also air three out of the four quarter-final matches, meaning nearly 95 per cent of the tournament’s major matches will be available to Tanzanians through TBC,” he said. Mhando said special focus would be placed on matches involving African teams, including Senegal versus France and Morocco against Brazil, which are expected to attract strong interest among local viewers. He added that TBC is the only broadcaster in the country licensed to transmit the matches simultaneously on television, radio and online platforms. To strengthen coverage, TBC has assembled a team of experienced analysts and commentators, including former Taifa Stars coach and current Twiga Stars head coach Charles Mkwasa, alongside former Ruvu Shooting and Polisi Dodoma coach Joseph Kanakamfumu. Meanwhile, Mbele said TBC will next week begin rolling out documentaries, promotional programmes and special content to support Tanzania’s preparations for the 2027 AFCON finals, which the country will co-host with Kenya and Uganda. She said the broadcaster would continue working closely with the government and sports authorities to promote Tanzania internationally and maximise opportunities linked to the continental tournament. “Tanzania is preparing for major international events, and as the national broadcaster, we are committed to ensuring the country receives the visibility and recognition it deserves,” she said. The post TBC confirms free-to-air World Cup coverage first appeared on Daily News . The post TBC confirms free-to-air World Cup coverage appeared first on Daily News .