04.06.2026 13:30
Millions of Turkish football fans living in Germany face the risk of not being able to watch the National Team's group matches at the 2026 World Cup for free. According to the current broadcast plan, all three of Turkey's group matches will be aired on a pay-per-view platform.
A broadcast crisis closely concerning millions of Turkish football fans in Germany has come to the fore ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to the current broadcast schedule, the group stage matches of the Turkish National Football Team will not be shown on German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF.
TURKEY MATCHES STAY ON PAY CHANNEL
A total of 104 matches will be played at the 2026 World Cup. German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF will air 60 of these matches. The remaining 44 contests will be available on the paid streaming platform MagentaTV.
According to the schedule announced so far, Turkey's group matches against Australia, Paraguay, and the USA are not included in the public broadcasters' lineup.
NATIONAL TEAM MATCH SCHEDULE
The Turkish National Team will face Australia in its first Group D match on June 14, 2026, in Vancouver. The Crescent-Stars will play their second match on June 20 against Paraguay in Santa Clara. The final group stage match will be against host USA on June 26 in Los Angeles.
REACTION FROM THE DIASPORA
The decision has been met with backlash among the Turkish community living in Germany. In a country with approximately 4 million people of Turkish origin, the exclusion of Turkey matches from free-to-air coverage has become a focal point of criticism.
While some argue that Turks, forming Germany's largest immigrant community, are negatively affected by this decision, intense criticism has also been voiced on social media platforms.
TRT DETAIL ALSO CAUSES CONFUSION
The possibility of geographic restrictions on TRT's European broadcasts due to broadcasting rights is also being discussed. It is noted that such a situation could cause millions of Turkish citizens living in Europe, particularly in Germany, to face difficulties accessing Turkey matches.
CONTROVERSY DURING 2024 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP TOO
During the 2024 European Football Championship hosted by Germany, broadcast choices and times for some Turkey matches also sparked public debate. It is striking that a similar issue has resurfaced ahead of the World Cup.
EYES ON BROADCASTERS
The fact that ARD and ZDF have not yet announced the final list of matches they will broadcast throughout the World Cup keeps the possibility of a change in plans on the agenda. Following increasing backlash, it is eagerly awaited whether German broadcasters will include some Turkey matches in their free-to-air coverage.