How to Watch the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Online for Free

Jorge Felix  - Cybersecurity Expert
Last updated: November 7, 2023
Read time: 12 minutes Disclosure
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The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup will start in a few days, and many football fans will look for a way to watch it for free using digital video streams.

THE TAKEAWAYS

The footballing fans of the world have waited for four and a half years to see the next FIFA World Cup. However, as the significant event approaches, many such fans will be looking for ways to enjoy the competition’s matches through digital video streams. The best tool they will have in this endeavor will be a top-notch VPN. With a robust VPN, you can switch your online location to unblock and watch any online sports streaming platform that shows the FIFA World Cup matches.

The FIFA World Cup always creates a lot of curiosity and excitement. The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup event is no exception, and it’s probably generated even more interest to watch for a variety of reasons:

  • It will surely be the last one for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
  • The defending champion, France, keeps the same team with the addition of Karim Benzema, probably the world’s best striker and winner of this year’s golden ball.
  • We have had to wait for more than the usual four years.

The next World Cup will start on November 21st, so the players can avoid facing the desertic heat of the summer in Qatar. Hence, so the world’s fans have been waiting for six extra months to get their fix on FIFA World Cup Football.

The World Cup is probably the world’s most popular sporting event. Football Soccer is a global sport, and this is its most significant competition. However, many fans worldwide won’t be able to see the World Cup. For instance, a newly arrived worker in the US from El Salvador can’t access his home stream. Or a German tourist in India will be looking for an online stream showing the matches.

We have good news for all those people. Each adverse scenario has a solution so that no person in the world misses a Word Cup match as long as they have internet access. A good VPN is the most versatile solution, and we’ll tell you how to use it to solve your World Cup problem wherever you are in the world.

Watch the FIFA World Cup online for free (quick guide)

The World Cup started on November 21st in Qatar instead of May or June, which have been the usual beginning months in the past. Choosing these dates avoids the summer desert heat during the competition. And even then, the stadia will be air-conditioned so that the players’ health won’t be at risk. So if you need to find out how to watch the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup online for free, you’ve arrived at the right article!

The internet will be fraught with online streams as the World Cup begins. However, only some will be reliable. Others will be available only in some countries. But you’ll be sure to enjoy the match you want if you follow these steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN account with one of the best providers. ExpressVPN is our #1 recommended option, Surfshark or NordVPN will do, too.
  2. Find the software your VPN vendor provides in your preferred app store (Apple or Google) or the provider’s website if you use a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer instead of a mobile device. Download and install it.
  3. Launch your VPN app or client.
  4. Log in using your new account’s credentials.
  5. Pick a server within the VPN network. First, choose a server in a country where your desired stream is available. If you want a suggestion, connect to a UK server.
  6. Now visit the BBC iPlayer website, which will show British users the whole World Cup for free.

Top ways to watch the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup from anywhere

If Qatar 2022 is on your mind as you find yourself stranded in a random place of the world, and you don’t want to miss that particular match, you have three options available:

  • Find a local stream. Almost every country in the world will have World Cup streams available. So you will have good chances to find a local stream wherever you are.
  • See the local TV. Most countries will have at least one local network broadcasting some World Cup fixtures. So if you’re in a hotel, you could turn on your TV or go to a local bar to see the current match.
  • Use a VPN to watch a stream from overseas. The two previous options can’t guarantee that you will have access to some matches. Only some networks in the world have the rights for every game, or maybe a given fixture doesn’t create enough local interest for a stream to go online. This is when a good VPN makes all the difference. It’s the most versatile and robust solution.

When will I need a VPN to see a World Cup Match?

Once the World Cup begins, there will be no shortage of streams to see it. However, that doesn’t mean that you will have access to them. Licensing limitations mean a given network or website can only show the event in a specific country.

Therefore, geography is destiny. Your physical location decides the streams you can watch (unless you have a VPN).

So you could find yourself trapped in a scenario in which you won’t be able to see your preferred match unless you have a top-notch VPN available:

  • Nobody has the right to show the game you want in the country where you are.
  • Football streams are entirely blocked in your location.
  • You want to see a match in a particular language or broadcasted by a specific network.

Using a VPN to watch live FIFA World Cup matches: A step-by-step guide

If you are in one of those situations where you won’t be able to see that game you wanted without a VPN and wondering how to use a VPN to watch sports, don’t worry. It’s easy to do, and in this section, we will take you through the complete process, step by step.

  1. Select a top-notch VPN service and sign up for a new account. The best VPNs to watch video streams from overseas are ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN, so these would be the best options for seeing the World Cup.
  2. Get your VPN software. If you are using a mobile device, open the app store relevant to you (Google or Apple) and search for your VPN’s name. Install the app. On the other hand, if you will be using a computer to watch the World Cup, then point your browser to your VPN’s website to find and download the VPN client you’ll need in Windows, macOS, or Linux. Find it, download it, and install it.
  3. Launch your VPN software and log in using the credentials you gathered in the first step.
  4. Pick a server from your VPN’s server network and connect to it. Ensure that the server you use is based in the country where the stream you want is available. If you are undecided, then connect to a UK server. UK users can watch the whole World Cup using the BBC iPlayer. 
  5. Point your web browser to the BBC iPlayer Website. If you don’t have a free account, don’t worry. Just sign up for one. Now you can pick the stream you want to see and start watching!

So now that you have your VPN service, you can access any stream worldwide as long as your VPN has a server in the relevant country. The three VPNs we suggested (ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN) stand out in the VPN world because of their capability to unblock streams from any country or source, so you shouldn’t have any problem. However, if something goes wrong, delete your browser’s cookies or try a different server.

Networks and platforms that will show the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup

Many TV networks and sports streaming sites will show the Qatar 2022 World Cup for free. And now that you have a VPN on your side, you’ll be able to use any of them as long as your chosen VPN has a server in the relevant country. This way, you can select the language you wish to hear while watching the match or your favorite pundits commenting on the game. Here are some of the networks that will have World Cup matches available in their respective countries:

CountryNetwork
ArgentinaDirecTV
AustraliaSBS
AustraliaSBS.com
AustriaORF
AustriaServus TV
BahrainbeIN Sports
BrazilGlobo
CameroonSuperSport International
CanadaTSN.ca or TSN app
China and TaiwanCCTV 5+
EgyptbeIN Sports
FranceTF1
GermanyARD
IndiaViacom18, JioCinema
IranbeIN Sports
IraqbeIN Sports
ItalyMediaset
ItalyRaiplay.it
LebanonbeIN Sports
LuxembourgRTL
MoroccobeIN Sports
NetherlandsNOS
New ZealandSKY New Zealand
NigeriaSuperSport International
OmanbeIN Sports
PortugalRTP
QatarbeIN Sports
RussiaVGTRK
Saudi ArabiabeIN Sports
SomaliabeIN Sports
South AfricaSuperSport International
South Africa, Cameroon, and NigeriaSuperSport International
SpainRTVE play
SwitzerlandSRG SSR
Switzerland (Recommended)SRF
SyriabeIN Sports
UKBBC iPlayer
United Arab EmiratesbeIN Sports
United Kingdom (Recommended)BBC iPlayer
ITV.com
USFuboTV
Fox Sports app
Telemundo Deportes app
Peacock Premium (Spanish)
ITV
Match TV
ZDF
beIN Sports France

Best VPNs to watch the FIFA World Cup and Football

We have already told you the best VPNs you can use to unblock video streams during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, a few more good vendors can get you the games you want to see. So if you are going to search for VPNs to see the world cup look for the following features:

  • Servers in the country. You need your VPN to have at least one server in the country from which you want to see the World Cup.
  • Fast and reliable links. Video streams need speed and stability means your stream won’t go offline just as that penalty is about to be kicked.
  • Reasonable subscription price. A VPN should stay within your budget, and many services are overpriced. Look for something with good value for your money.

Our three favorite VPNs for the World Cup deliver on those three factors abundantly. If you pick any of the following three VPNs, you will never go wrong, especially for the World Cup.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN new features block logo 120 by 120 now

No doubt the top VPN overall. Serving super-fast servers and top-notch privacy.

servers More than 3,000 VPN servers spread across 90+ countries
Trusted servers nord Reliable TrustedServer technology
encryption Military-grade AES-256-bit encryption
Zero-logs policy No data keeping at all
Split tunneling feature Functional split tunelling feature
network lock feature Has network Lock (kill switch) feature
tor compatible Supports Tor
P2P optimized servers All servers are P2P optimized
simultaneous connections Connects up to five devices at once on one account
money-back guarantee Pay-back policy of 30 days
Pros
  • Gives clients good value
  • Top-notch customer service
  • Strict no-log policy
Cons
  • Pricier

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for any task, so it’s not surprising that it’s our top choice to see the World Cup. It has servers in most countries worldwide, and each country gives you a different way to see the match you want. 

Every server in the ExpressVPN network is RAM-only (physically impossible to keep logs), ultra-fast, reliable, and safe. In addition, the software is friendly, and there’s an app or client for every primary operating system and platform, including some exotic hardware. In other words, ExpressVPN has everything you need to see the Qatar 2022 World Cup and more in extra features that will enhance your other digital activities.

The only drawback we find with ExressVPN is its cost. It’s more expensive than your average VPN in the market. However, the server it offers is way better than the average, so its money is well spent, and even at a higher price, ExpressVPN gives clients good value.


2. Surfshark

SurfsharkVPN

Top VPN provider that does all what a top-notch VPN does, at a low cost.

servers 3,000+ VPN servers present in 100 countries
encryption Deploys robust grade encryption using AES-256
P2P optimized servers P2P friendly servers
Kill switch Effective automatic kill switch
Camouflage mode Quality camouflage mode
Zero-logs policy Adheres to a zero-logging policy
Ad Blocker feature Ad-blocker feature with effectiveness
MultiHop mode Double VPN (multi-hop) feature
simultaneous connections No limit for simultaneous devices
money-back guarantee Pay-back guarantee of 30 days
Pros
  • Boasts affordale plans
  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Reliable support for customers
Cons
  • Comparatively small server network

Sufrshark is the VPN’s family enfant térrible. It’s creating chaos in the VPN market by providing top-notch service at a meager price. However, it’s earned an excellent reputation in a short period.

The server network has over 3,000 nodes in a hundred countries, so you’ll have plenty of languages and networks to choose from to see the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Servers in the Surfshark VPN are also high-speed and safe, giving you all the bandwidth you need to support HD video streams. In addition, the links are very stable, so you can count on completing a 120-minute session to see a full match without interruptions.

Surfshark has many additional security features, such as ad blocking and obfuscated servers. And the price is among the most affordable in the market, so you can have this fantastic service for about 3 USD monthly.

So this provider also has everything you need to enjoy every World Cup match, even if you have a low budget.


3. NordVPN

NordVPN for Streaming

One of the functional VPN providers boasts large server newtwork all over the world.

servers Boasts over five thousand VPN servers in more than 55 countries
Ad Blocker feature Threat Protection (tracking, malware, and ad blocker)
encryption Military-grade standard AES-256 data encryption
Kill switch Kill switch with high functionality
Split tunneling feature Split tunneling feature
MultiHop mode Multi-hop VPN for double encryption
P2P optimized servers Numerous servers support P2P traffic
tor compatible Provides Onion over VPN functionality
Camouflage mode Obfuscates VPN servers
Zero-logs policy Observes strict no-logs rules
simultaneous connections Single subscription allows connecting up to six devices at once
money-back guarantee Comes with a pay-back guarantee of 30 days
Pros
  • Provides impressive privacy protection
  • Interface with a user-friendly design
  • Response time for customer support is fast
Cons
  • Beginners may have difficulty understanding some of the features

This VPN has fast-lighting servers, solid connections, and excellent stream optimization. Its server network is also extensive, so you will always find the right virtual location to see that match in the language of your preference.

NordVPN is also very user-friendly, so even the most VPN-inexperienced users will have an easy time setting it up and using it. 

Boasting a separate fleet of specialized servers, this VPN can handle any task you throw at it, from Tor browsing to high-speed torrenting.

NordVPN is not as accessible as Surfshark, but it’s still cheaper than ExpressVPN, so it is very cost-effective, and that is also one of the reasons why it’s in our top three VPNs to use for the Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup.


The user agreement: Read it

The geo-unblocking capabilities of the three VPNs we’ve chosen for you are beyond the market’s average. However, they are the best in the business, so you can be sure they will show you whatever stream you want.

However, you should carefully read the streamer’s user agreement before turning your VPN on. Some of them do not allow VPN connections, and while they’re unlikely to catch you breaking the user agreement, you will not want to risk a ban that will keep you without World Cup access as the event unfolds.

VPNs are legal tools in most of the world, but many streaming websites and platforms discourage them, and they could deny you access if they realize you’re using one.

So read the user agreement and decide on the risk level you want to accept.

How does a VPN work?

A VPN can ensure your access to FIFA World Cup video streams worldwide because it can bypass geographical restrictions and bans. Let’s take a moment to understand how this works by reviewing the basics.

The best VPNs online today perform many services for their clients. However, the things that make a VPN worthy of its name are only two of those services: encryption and IP spoofing.

The encryption works on all your traffic, incoming and outgoing. It turns your stream of meaningful digital data into a stream of white noise, seemingly random to any external observer. That could be your ISP, a hacker, the government, or anybody else. Thus, encryption protects you from prying eyes and gives you the most significant degree of online freedom, privacy, anonymity, and security.

Then, there’s IP spoofing. An IP address is a number that gives your device its internet identity. It reveals a great deal of information about the said device, starting with a reasonably good approximation of its physical location, even without GPS. You get a brand new IP address when you connect to a VPN network server. Then, every server interacting with you on the internet will think you are in the server’s country, and it will never see or suspect your actual IP address.

Consequently, you will have a British IP address using a UK-based server. Then, as you connect to the BBC iPlayer website, the website thinks you are British and serves you accordingly. And that’s one of how you can see as many World Cup matches from wherever you are using a good VPN.

While we’ve been talking about this as it pertains to Word Cup access, it works for any sporting event or video streaming platform you want. For example, the famous Netflix video streaming service is renowned because the best catalog is available to US users only. You can also use a VPN to unlock the US Netflix library if you wish.

Conclusion

The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup is only a few days away. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world. You can watch every FIFA World Cup match broadcasted by any network of your choice in your preferred language if you have a good VPN service on your side to open up the keys to the internet for you.

But the point to take away from this article is that VPNs are the most versatile and powerful digital tool you can have in the current internet environment. Yes, they will unleash the full power of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, but next month, the competition will be over.

The benefits of having an excellent VPN service will stay with you beyond the World Cup’s final match. The best services give you plenty of extra features (obfuscation, multi-hop, Smart DNS servers, and much more), and the increase in your digital freedom, privacy, anonymity, and security has no price.

So enjoy the World Cup as you support your favorite team. But more importantly: do so by staying safe!

FAQs

The FIFA World Cup is the most demanded sporting event globally, so many broadcasters, channels, and streamers will be offering it in every country. Therefore, wherever you are, you will find a TV channel or its respective video stream showing the current match. But you must use a VPN to see any stream from any country.

Each TV network has bought the rights to show the FIFA World Cup matches in a specific country. Therefore, if you try to watch your domestic streams when you’re outside your country, they won’t work. Instead, you’ll need to find a domestic stream. However, if you have a VPN, you’ll be able to connect to a server from your original country and see your usual stream without problems.

Yes, you can. Manyches networks will broadcast free live streams of some of the World Cup matches. And with a VPN, you can access any stream in the world.

The best VPNs to see digital video streams of any kind (including the matches of the Qatar 2022 World Cup) are ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN.

The next FIFA World Cup will start in Qatar in November 2022, and the final will be on December 18th.

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About the Author

Jorge Felix

Jorge Felix

Cybersecurity Expert
236 Posts

Jorge Félix (Mexico City, 1975). Theoretical physicist specialized in Cosmology and Superstring Theory. He's been a writer on scientific and technological issues for more than 23 years. Has ample experience and expertise in computer technology and a keen interest in digital security issues.

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