As the intensely contested group stages of the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 draw to a close, the stakes are elevated across the African continent.
For the first time in football history, an expanded roster of 48 teams transitions into the knockout stage, introducing the Round of 32.
With African powerhouses like South Africa and Morocco safely booking their places in the knockouts, fans across Sub-Saharan and Northern Africa can now recalibrate their viewing schedules as the competition shifts to single-elimination football.
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How to watch the World Cup 2026 Round of 32
For Kenyan viewers and the wider Sub-Saharan region, the distribution of broadcasting rights remains firmly in the hands of major pay-TV, digital giants, and accessible free-to-air platforms, ensuring multi-platform coverage across Television, Mobile, and Internet streaming.
In Kenya, football enthusiasts looking to experience the tactical drama of the knockout rounds have several reliable avenues. Azam TV, which has deployed seasoned Swahili and English commentary teams, continues to beam all matches live.
Alongside them, SuperSport International provides comprehensive coverage across its dedicated high-definition channels, accompanied by extensive digital streaming via its mobile applications.
Crucially, for fans relying on free-to-air access, the historic partnership between New World TV (the primary sub-license holder) and the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC)—supported by SportyTV—enters its most vital phase.
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KBC’s curated package of 34 live matches heavily prioritizes the business end of the tournament, meaning select, high-stakes Round of 32 knockout fixtures are broadcast completely free on KBC Channel 1 and its geo-blocked digital platforms.
The viewing arrangement remains similarly divided across neighboring East and Southern African nations:
- Rwanda & Malawi: Viewers will split their feeds between Azam TV, New World TV, and SuperSport International.
- South Africa: With Bafana Bafana successfully booking a Round of 32 clash against Canada, local fans can catch the live action via a trio of broadcasters, with Sporty TV joining SuperSport and New World TV.
- Nigeria: The West African giant will view the knockout rounds via SuperSport, New World TV, and StarTimes, which provides massive digital terrestrial competition.
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Meanwhile, the broadcasting landscape in Northern Africa retains its distinct, ultra-premium framework.
For Arabic-speaking nations and regional giants like Morocco—who face a knockout match against the Netherlands—beIN Sports maintains its dominant broadcasting monopoly.
Crucially, beIN Sports remains one of the few networks holding synchronized Radio rights alongside TV and Mobile streaming.
Within Moroccan territory, local state broadcaster SNRT will continue to provide terrestrial sub-licensed feeds specifically for home fans tracking the Atlas Lions’ pursuit of another deep World Cup run.
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Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026