Holland America Line announces it has secured an agreement with IMG to broadcast the FIFA World Cup 26™ live across its entire fleet of 11 ships, allowing passengers to watch all 104 matches while cruising between June 11 and July 19, 2026.
The coverage is delivered via Sport 24 Special Event Channels and will be available on stateroom televisions, with select matches also shown on large public screens on certain ships. The move targets travelers who want to book cruises during the tournament without missing live matches staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The cruise line confirms that coverage applies fleetwide regardless of itinerary, including sailings in Alaska, Canada and New England, and Europe during the tournament period. The announcement comes as bookings open for summer 2026 voyages that coincide with the quadrennial event, positioning live sports access as part of the onboard guest experience. Holland America states that the broadcast rights ensure uninterrupted coverage at sea, even while ships are far from shore.
Fleetwide World Cup coverage at sea
Holland America Line states that all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 26™ will be available live in guest staterooms on all 11 ships through Sport 24 Special Event Channels. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with matches hosted in multiple cities across North America. According to the company, the arrangement allows guests to follow the full competition schedule regardless of their cruise route or time zone.
In addition to in-room viewing, select high-profile matches may be screened on the Lido Pool’s outdoor big screen or inside the World Stage theater on certain ships. These screenings are intended to provide a shared viewing environment for guests, subject to ship and itinerary schedules. Holland America does not specify which matches or vessels will feature these public screenings, noting only that they will include marquee fixtures.
Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development, said “Soccer is the most popular sport across the globe. The FIFA World Cup™ is the world’s preeminent soccer tournament, and we realize how important it is for our guests to be able to watch it live on our ships.” He added, “Guests can confidently book their cruise for next summer knowing that if their national or favorite team advances, they will be able to watch the match from the comfort of their stateroom.”
IMG, which manages the distribution of Sport 24, describes the partnership as a way to extend access to major sporting events beyond land-based venues. Kate Garden, Commercial Director at IMG, said “The FIFA World Cup 26™ represents a truly global celebration of sport, and we are pleased to support Holland America Line in delivering an unforgettable viewing experience for fans on board.” She added, “From private staterooms to open-air decks, guests will be able to enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of the tournament as we bring the spirit of the stadiums to sea next summer.”
Cruises sailing during the tournament
Holland America Line highlights several itineraries that coincide with the tournament window, emphasizing that World Cup coverage will be consistent across different regions. Sample voyages include a 7-day “Alaska Explorer” cruise aboard Noordam departing July 5, 2026, and a 28-day “Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice” voyage on the same ship departing June 7, 2026. European sailings during the tournament include a 14-day “Wild British Isles: Belfast Evening Stay” itinerary on Nieuw Statendam departing July 10, 2026, and a 7-day “Norwegian Fjords & Sognefjord” cruise on Rotterdam departing June 28, 2026.
The company states that World Cup broadcasts will be available regardless of whether ships are sailing in Alaska, northern Europe or other regions. By ensuring access to live matches across all itineraries, Holland America aims to remove a potential barrier for travelers considering extended voyages during a major global sporting event. The cruise line positions the coverage as part of its broader onboard entertainment offering rather than a separate add-on.
The FIFA World Cup 26™ marks the first time the tournament is hosted jointly by three countries and features an expanded format of 104 matches. Holland America notes that the scale of the event and its global following influenced the decision to secure fleetwide rights well in advance of the tournament. The company does not disclose financial terms of the agreement with IMG.
With summer 2026 cruise bookings already open, the announcement provides clarity for travelers planning long-haul or extended itineraries during the tournament period. Holland America Line frames the initiative as a way to combine destination-focused travel with real-time access to one of the world’s most-watched sporting events, allowing guests to follow the competition while at sea.
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