StarTimes reveals plans for World Cup coverage

Although Nigeria is not one of the 48 countries playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football fans in Nigeria can still catch all the action. StarTimes Nigeria shared its coverage plans on Tuesday.

At a media briefing in Lagos, the pay-TV company announced it will show all 104 matches of the World Cup. This tournament will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Nigeria did not qualify for this tournament after a disappointing qualifying campaign. This means the Super Eagles will miss out on football's biggest event, continuing their absence since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

With no Nigerian team to cheer for, fans will likely turn their attention to some of the biggest football stars and traditional teams. This will allow them to find new favorites during the month-long event.

StarTimes said it has set up dedicated channels for the tournament. They will provide live coverage of all matches, along with pre-match analysis, halftime talks, and post-match reviews.

"We are one of the official broadcasters of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and all 104 matches will be live on StarTimes," said the company's Marketing Director, Oke Umurhohwo.

The broadcaster also announced a N50 million promotional package for subscribers. This includes a grand prize of N10 million to be won through a live draw on the final day.

Mr Umurhohwo stated that both new and current subscribers can join the promotion. Winners will also receive solar home systems, television sets, and other prizes.

StarTimes confirmed that matches will be available on its satellite and terrestrial TV platforms. Subscribers can also watch games on mobile devices through the StarTimes ON app.

The company also plans to hold viewing events in selected cities during the knockout rounds, semi-finals, and final. This is part of their effort to engage fans during the tournament.

Additionally, StarTimes announced it will reduce decoder and accessory prices before the World Cup. This move aims to make it easier for fans to access the tournament coverage.

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across three host countries.

While Nigerians may watch the competition from a distance again, interest in the tournament is expected to stay high. This is due to the country’s strong love for football and the presence of several African teams on the world stage.