The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With 48 teams and 104 matches it is the biggest World Cup in history.
Norway has qualified for the tournament, so there is even more reason to follow every match. If you are in Norway and wondering where to watch the World Cup 2026, Norwegian broadcasters NRK and TV 2 are sharing the rights to the tournament, covering matches across their channels and streaming platforms.
Broadcasting rights are shared between NRK and TV 2. NRK is completely free. TV 2 matches are free to watch on linear TV (TV 2 Direkte), but streaming online via TV 2 Play requires a paid subscription. Here is everything you need to know.
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 in Norway
Platform | Type | Cost | Access |
NRK1 / NRK2 | TV channels | Free | Standard TV |
NRK TV | Live stream and catch-up | Free | tv.nrk.no, iOS and Android app |
TV 2 Direkte / TV 2 Sport 1 | TV channels | Free | Standard TV (cable / antenna / fiber) |
TV 2 Play | Live stream | Subscription required | play.tv2.no |
NRK broadcasts a large share of the matches on NRK1 and NRK2, with free live streaming also available through NRK TV across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. No account is needed to watch NRK TV.
TV 2 broadcasts the remaining matches on TV 2 Direkte and TV 2 Sport 1. These channels are free on regular TV. If you want to stream TV 2's matches online, you will need a TV 2 Play Standard or Premium subscription.
Norway's Matches at the World Cup 2026
Norway qualified for the tournament and is placed in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Iraq. Here are the group stage fixtures in Norwegian time (CEST):
Date | Match | Norwegian time | Channel |
Wednesday 17 June | Iraq - Norway | 12:00 AM | TV 2 |
Tuesday 23 June | Norway - Senegal | 2:00 AM | NRK |
Friday 26 June | Norway - France | 9:00 PM | NRK |
Norway's first two group stage matches kick off in the early hours of the morning in Norwegian time. The third match against France is the most viewer-friendly slot at 9:00 PM.
Watch on TV or Stream on Any Device
If you are watching at home, the simplest option is to turn on NRK1 or TV 2 Direkte which are both free on regular television. NRK TV is completely free to stream and works across phones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.
You can also cast or mirror the NRK TV stream from your phone to your TV if you prefer watching on a bigger screen without a cable subscription.
TV 2 Play is worth considering if you want to stream TV 2's matches on your phone or tablet. Note that TV 2 Play is also available via many TV providers, so it may already be included in your package.
How Much Data Do You Need to Stream the World Cup?
If you are planning to follow the tournament on your phone or tablet rather than a home TV, it is worth thinking about your data usage before June 11. Live sport is one of the heavier uses of mobile data, and streaming multiple matches over six weeks adds up quickly.
As a general benchmark across the streaming industry:
- Standard definition uses roughly 1 GB per hour
- HD streaming can use between 2.5 GB and 4 GB per hour
- 4K streams can use significantly more
A 90-minute football match in HD can easily consume 3 to 4 GB before extra time or penalties.
Stream Quality | Data per 90 min |
Standard definition | ~1.5 GB |
HDÂ | ~3.75-6.00 GBÂ |
4K (if available)Â | ~7+ GBÂ |
These are general industry estimates and actual usage depends on your device, stream quality settings, and connection speed.
Which Mobile Data Bundle Do You Need for the World Cup?
It is worth reviewing your mobile plan before the tournament begins. Different viewing habits suit different data allowances, especially if you are planning to stream matches away from home throughout the summer.
- 10GB Data
- Unlimited national minutes
- 250* Minutes to United Kingdom, Pakistan and more
- Unlimited national SMS
- 60GB for first 3 months then 30GB
- Unlimited national minutes
- Unlimited minutes to UK, EU, USA, Canada, India and China
- Unlimited national SMS
Lyca Smart L - 10 GB A good fit for occasional mobile viewing. Ideal if you are mainly watching on TV or Wi-Fi and only streaming a few matches on the go.
Lyca Smart XL - 60 GB A flexible option for regular streaming throughout the tournament without constantly checking your usage.
Lyca Smart Max - Unlimited data For anyone planning to follow the full tournament in HD from the group stage through to the final on July 19. Data is one less thing to think about all summer.
Conclusion
World Cup 2026 matches are available in Norway through NRK and TV 2. NRK is completely free on TV and online. TV 2 matches are free on regular TV, while TV 2 Play requires a subscription to stream online.
If you are planning to follow the World Cup on your phone throughout the summer, a larger mobile data plan can make a big difference. Lyca Mobile's prepaid SIM cards make it easier to stream matches and call friends abroad when their team scores.Â