SBS has introduced a suite of new SBS On Demand features ahead of its exclusive broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, as the broadcaster prepares for what is expected to be one of the biggest streaming events in Australian television history.
The public broadcaster said viewers will now be able to pause, restart and rewind live television coverage across all 104 matches of the tournament, which begins on Friday, 12 June at 5am (AEST).
The upgrades come as SBS positions its streaming platform to handle increased audience demand during the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Under the new functionality, SBS On Demand users will be able to restart matches from kick-off, rewind key moments and pause live coverage before returning to the live stream. The platform will also stream all live matches, replays and highlights in 1080p HD.
SBS has also launched a dedicated FIFA World Cup™ hub within SBS On Demand, featuring personalised favourites, fixtures, replays and highlights, alongside a second-screen Match Centre offering live statistics and commentary updates.
SBS Director of Television Kathryn Fink said the broadcaster had upgraded the platform significantly since the 2022 tournament.
Kathryn Fink
“SBS’s broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will bring Australians together like no other event, and we want football fanatics and casual fans alike to have their best-ever viewing experience this year,” she said.
“We’ve made significant upgrades since the 2022 broadcast, with innovations designed to make every match easier to follow, more immersive and more accessible for everyone tuning in, whether you’ve been with us for 40 years or you’re coming along on the ride for the first time.
“Be prepared by making sure you’ve created an SBS On Demand account or located your login details before the tournament begins. But if you don’t, Live Restart is there to help you out. Once you log in, the entire World Cup will be at your fingertips.”
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Hub is already live on SBS On Demand, with viewers now able to follow teams and build personalised viewing collections ahead of the tournament.
Australia will open its campaign against Türkiye on Sunday, 14 June at 2pm (AEST), before facing the USA and Paraguay in Group D.
SBS’s commercial partners for the tournament include Hyundai, Hisense, Macca’s, Rexona, bet365, Commonwealth Bank and Youi.