Never Miss a Goal: MSC Cruises Brings Every 2026 World Cup Match to Sea
MSC Cruises announces live broadcasts of all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches across its entire fleet, with viewing on pool deck screens, sports bars, and lounges.
Soccer fans planning a cruise this summer can breathe a sigh of relief. MSC Cruises announced this week that passengers won’t have to choose between their vacation and watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The cruise line revealed on February 12 that all 104 matches of the tournament will be broadcast live across its entire fleet between June 11 and July 19, 2026. That means whether you’re sailing the Mediterranean or cruising the Caribbean, you’ll have front-row access to what promises to be one of the most anticipated sporting events in recent memory.
Where to Watch on Board
MSC Cruises isn’t just setting up a single TV in the corner of a lounge. The cruise line is going all-in with multiple viewing venues throughout each ship.
Passengers can catch the action in sports bars, casino bars, poolside on giant LED screens, and in designated lounges and theaters. The variety of locations means you can watch from a sun lounger with a cocktail in hand or gather with other fans in a more traditional sports bar atmosphere.
The poolside LED screens are particularly noteworthy. There’s something undeniably appealing about watching a World Cup match under the stars with the ocean as your backdrop—an experience you simply can’t replicate at home.
More Than Just Match Broadcasts
MSC Cruises is building an entire program around the tournament. Beyond the live match coverage, guests can expect tournament-themed activities for all ages, including interactive games, quizzes, and family-friendly entertainment.
This approach transforms the World Cup from a passive viewing experience into a cruise-wide event. It’s smart programming that recognizes not everyone on board will be a die-hard soccer fan, but many will enjoy the festive atmosphere that comes with a major sporting tournament.
Why This Matters for Summer 2026 Cruisers
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is unique in several ways. For the first time, 48 national teams will compete, up from the traditional 32. And it’s being hosted across three nations—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—marking the first tri-nation World Cup championship in history.
With such an expanded format and the tournament taking place across North America, interest is expected to be particularly high among U.S. and Canadian cruisers. The timing also overlaps perfectly with peak summer cruise season in both the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
For travelers who were on the fence about booking a summer cruise because they didn’t want to miss the World Cup, this announcement removes that barrier entirely. And for those already booked on MSC ships, it’s an unexpected bonus that adds significant value to their vacation.
The Bigger Picture
This move by MSC Cruises reflects a broader trend in the cruise industry: recognizing that modern travelers don’t want to completely disconnect from major cultural and sporting events, even while on vacation.
We’ve seen cruise lines improve their internet connectivity and entertainment options over the years, but bringing live sporting events to sea on this scale represents a new level of commitment to keeping passengers connected to what’s happening in the world.
It’s also a competitive differentiator. While some cruise lines may show select matches or highlights, MSC’s commitment to broadcasting all 104 games sets a new standard. For soccer fans, that could be the deciding factor when choosing which cruise line to book.
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 through July 19, meaning the entire tournament will be accessible to MSC passengers during what’s typically one of the busiest periods for cruise travel. Whether you’re a casual fan or someone who never misses a match, you won’t have to compromise your vacation plans to follow the action.