Fans in the Maldives can watch every single FIFA World Cup 2026 match free of charge. Public Service Media (PSM), the national broadcaster, is airing all 104 games at no cost — the first time the tournament has been made freely available to Maldivian viewers on this scale.
Here’s exactly where and how to watch, plus the kick-off times you’ll need to plan your nights around.
Watch every match free on PSM
PSM is broadcasting all 104 World Cup matches free of charge across the Maldives. According to PSM’s announcement, the coverage is a public service initiative designed to reach households nationwide without any subscription barrier.
The matches air on PSM’s television channels, with free-to-air access secured through a partnership with MediaNet. Anyone with a MediaNet connection can watch every game live at no cost.
What free PSM coverage includes
- Live coverage of all 104 matches, from the group stage through to the final
- Free access for any household with a MediaNet connection
- A dedicated PSM World Cup portal with match schedules, team and player profiles, and host-city guides
- Coverage reaching viewers across the islands, not just Malé
Free vs paid: What you get
PSM’s free coverage already includes every match, so a paid subscription is optional in the Maldives — useful mainly if you want premium extras like 4K or multi-language commentary.
| Option | What you get | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| PSM (via MediaNet) | All 104 matches live, group stage to final | Free |
| FIFA+ app | Highlights, short replays and clips | Free |
| beIN Sports | All matches with 4K HDR and multi-language commentary | Paid |
Match kick-off times in the Maldives
The Maldives runs on Maldives Time (UTC+5), which is 9 hours ahead of US Eastern Time, where most matches are played. That means evening kick-offs in the US land in the middle of the night locally.
Here’s how the main US start times convert to Maldives Time:
- 12:00 PM ET → 9:00 PM Maldives Time
- 3:00 PM ET → 12:00 AM (midnight) Maldives Time
- 6:00 PM ET → 3:00 AM Maldives Time
- 9:00 PM ET → 6:00 AM Maldives Time
For the full fixture list and exact local times, see Wego’s FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule guide. The tournament runs through to the final on July 19, 2026.
Where to watch with fellow fans
With most matches kicking off late at night in the Maldives, watching with a crowd is half the fun. Cafés and restaurants across Malé and Hulhumalé set up big screens for the biggest fixtures, especially on weekends and during the knockout rounds.
Many resorts also run screenings for guests — at the bar, poolside, or on the beach. If you’re booking a stay, browse resorts across the Maldives and ask whether they’ll be showing the games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FIFA World Cup 2026 really free to watch in the Maldives?
Yes. PSM, the national broadcaster, is airing all 104 matches free of charge through a partnership with MediaNet, so any household with a MediaNet connection can watch live at no cost.
Which channels show the World Cup in the Maldives?
The matches air on PSM’s television channels via MediaNet. PSM has also launched a dedicated online portal with schedules and tournament content.
Do I need a paid subscription to watch every match?
No. PSM’s free coverage already includes all 104 matches. A paid service like beIN Sports is only worth it if you want premium extras such as 4K HDR or multi-language commentary.
What time do matches start in the Maldives?
Maldives Time is UTC+5, 9 hours ahead of US Eastern Time. Most evening US kick-offs fall between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM the following morning locally.
Sources
- Maaldif — PSM launches dedicated 2026 FIFA World Cup portal and expands free nationwide access
- Maaldif — PSM to Broadcast 2026 FIFA World Cup Free of Charge Across Maldives
- Public Service Media (PSM) Maldives — Official Website
- beIN SPORTS — Coverage Plans for FIFA World Cup 2026
- Al Jazeera — World Cup 2026 full match schedule and start times
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
