All Matches Exclusively
HRT says it secured the exclusive rights to all World Cup 2026 matches for Croatia.
HRT is one of the clearest broadcaster cases in this project because the Croatian public broadcaster has already published a direct rights announcement. HRT said on December 13, 2024 that it secured the exclusive rights to all matches from the FIFA World Cup tournaments in 2026 and 2030.
That means Croatian viewers do not need to guess between multiple local rights holders. The practical setup is built around HRT television and HRTi, the broadcaster's streaming service for computers, phones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
Region served: Croatia
Rights status: Exclusive rights holder
Access: HRT channels and HRTi
HRTi
HRTi is the broadcaster's official online route for live and on-demand viewing.
Broad Device Support
HRTi officially lists computers, Android and iOS phones and tablets, Samsung and LG Smart TVs, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV devices.
What is HRT and Where is it Available
HRT is Croatia's public-service broadcaster, and HRTi is its digital streaming platform. HRTi's own service page says viewers can use it on computers, smart phones, tablets, and televisions, which makes it the main online route for the tournament.
That setup is especially useful here because the rights are not split. HRT already says it holds the exclusive package, so Croatian viewers can plan around one broadcaster instead of several.
For the country version of the topic, open the How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in Croatia guide too.
Does HRT Have FIFA World Cup 2026 Rights
Yes. HRT officially announced that it secured the exclusive rights to broadcast all matches from the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cup tournaments. That is one of the strongest public confirmations in the current broadcaster set.
Because HRT described the deal as exclusive and all-match coverage, the rights picture in Croatia is unusually straightforward. There is no need to frame the main tournament package as shared or partially confirmed.
How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 on HRT - Step by Step
Step 1: Start with HRT rather than searching for another Croatian rights holder
HRT has already said it holds the exclusive package, so it is the correct first stop for World Cup 2026 coverage in Croatia.
Step 2: Decide whether you want television or streaming
If you prefer a traditional setup, use HRT's normal TV coverage. If you want online viewing, HRTi is the official streaming route.
Step 3: Set up HRTi before the tournament begins
HRTi is the broadcaster's own service page for digital access, so it is the cleanest answer if you plan to watch away from a standard TV box.
Step 4: Check your device support early
HRTi officially supports Windows and Mac browsers, Android and iOS phones and tablets, Samsung and LG Smart TVs, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV boxes.
Step 5: Use HRT listings for the exact match schedule
HRT has the exclusive package, but you should still use official listings to see the exact channel placement and kickoff timing for each matchday.
Is HRT Free or Paid for World Cup 2026
Free Access
Yes. HRTi states that the service is free for private users. HRT television is also the public-service route in Croatia, so no separate World Cup-only pay package has been announced.
That makes Croatia one of the cleaner viewing markets for 2026. The main task is preparing the right HRT platform, not choosing between paid and free rights holders.
Paid or Subscription Access
No dedicated paid HRT World Cup 2026 package has been announced. HRTi does note that normal internet data use can still create costs depending on your provider, but the service itself is presented as free for private users.
HRT World Cup 2026 Coverage - Matches and Rounds
| Coverage Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Covered | 104 |
| Rounds Covered | Full tournament, including group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final |
| Language(s) | Croatian |
| Commentary Options | Yet to be confirmed |
| Highlights Available | Yet to be confirmed |
How to Stream FIFA World Cup 2026 on HRT Without Cable
HRT works without cable because HRTi already provides the official digital route across web, mobile, and connected-TV devices. If you have a stable internet connection, HRTi is the direct legal answer.
This is one of the simpler no-cable setups in the project because HRT also holds the exclusive rights, so you do not need to combine it with a second broadcaster to cover the whole tournament.
HRT setup for Croatian viewers
- Use HRT as the exclusive Croatian rights holder.
- Use HRTi for streaming on web, mobile, and TV devices.
- Prepare HRTi before June 11 if you depend on streaming.
- Check official HRT schedules for channel placement and kickoff times.
What is already confirmed
HRT has officially confirmed exclusive rights to all World Cup 2026 matches, while HRTi confirms free private-user access and support for browser, mobile, smart-TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Android TV setups.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule - Key Dates
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | June 11 - June 27, 2026 |
| Round of 32 | June 28 - July 3, 2026 |
| Round of 16 | July 4 - July 7, 2026 |
| Quarter-Finals | July 9 - July 11, 2026 |
| Semi-Finals | July 14 - July 15, 2026 |
| Final | July 19, 2026 |
These are FIFA's key tournament dates. Croatian viewers should still check HRT schedules close to kickoff for final channel placement and match timing.
For stage-specific match lists, use the Group Stage, Round of 32, and Round of 16 schedule pages.
Tips for Watching World Cup 2026 on HRT
Install HRTi on your main screen before the opener
HRTi already supports several TV and streaming-device environments, so it is worth testing your real setup before the tournament starts.
Use HRTi as your backup even if you mostly watch on TV
That makes it much easier to follow daytime matches when you are away from your main television.
Take advantage of the exclusive-rights setup
Croatia does not need a multi-broadcaster workaround here, so keeping HRT ready is usually enough.
Check HRT listings for the biggest Croatia matches
Those are the fixtures you least want to miss, and the official schedule is the safest source for exact start times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. HRT has officially confirmed that it holds the exclusive rights to all World Cup 2026 matches in Croatia.
Use HRT television coverage or stream through HRTi, the broadcaster's official digital platform.
HRTi says the service is free for private users, and no separate paid World Cup package has been announced.
HRTi officially lists Windows and Mac browsers, Android and iOS phones and tablets, Samsung and LG Smart TVs, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV boxes.
HRT says it has the exclusive rights to all matches, so the coverage scope is the full 104-match tournament.
Conclusion
HRT is one of the strongest World Cup 2026 viewing options anywhere in this broadcaster set because the rights position is already clear and the broadcaster has the full tournament.
If you set up HRTi early and keep an eye on official HRT schedules, you should have a very straightforward path through the entire competition.