Holland America Line brings the FIFA World Cup 26 experience to sea
In a major move for sports fans at sea, Holland America Line has secured a rights partnership with IMG to broadcast the FIFA World Cup 26™ across its fleet. The arrangement ensures guests can watch every match from virtually any onboard venue, turning each voyage into a stadium-at-sea experience. The broadcast will be carried on Sport 24 Special Event Channels, with dedicated coverage that mirrors what fans expect on land.
What this means for cruisers
Whether you’re a devoted football enthusiast or a casual observer who enjoys global events, the new rights deal means uninterrupted access to all World Cup 26 matches while cruising. Guests can follow teams, track group-stage battles, and cheer on underdog stories from the comfort of their staterooms, poolside lounges, or the ship’s main theaters. Holland America Line emphasizes that Sport 24 channels will offer high‑definition feeds, expert analysis, and replays, ensuring fans don’t miss key moments during port calls or shore excursions.
Seamless viewing across the fleet
The fleetwide broadcast plan leverages Holland America Line’s robust entertainment infrastructure. From the ship’s designed sports bar to the quiet corners of the library, guests will find reliable access to the FIFA World Cup 26 matches. For families and groups, there will be multi‑screen options and scheduled viewing times for popular matchups, creating social experiences that mirror the energy of a stadium crowd.
Why IMG and Sport 24 make the perfect pairing
IMG’s global reach in sports media and licensing, combined with its Sport 24 platform, provides a scalable solution for live event coverage at sea. Sport 24 is known for delivering flexible, high-quality feeds and user-friendly access, which is essential when travelers are balancing excursions and on-board activities. The collaboration demonstrates a growing trend of cruise lines expanding their entertainment offerings to align with major international events, helping guests maximize value during vacations.
Guest experience and operational considerations
Holland America Line has a long-standing commitment to guest experience, and this initiative aligns with that mission by offering a reliable, immersive World Cup 26 experience without leaving the ship. Operational planning includes scheduling, bandwidth management, and content security to ensure smooth delivery across different itineraries and satellite networks. Passengers can expect clear match schedules, on-demand replays, and synchronized lighting for late games—an added touch that enhances the overall on‑board atmosphere.
Looking ahead: fan-favored itineraries and partnerships
As fans book their dream cruise vacations, the FIFA World Cup 26 broadcast opens opportunities for special event sailings, themed trivia, and team‑centric experiences. Holland America Line may pair these broadcasts with shore excursions that highlight host cities or venues, offering a blended experience of sport, culture, and travel. With the two-year countdown to kickoff now underway, travelers can plan voyages that coincide with pivotal World Cup moments while enjoying the line’s renowned service, cuisine, and destination explorations.
In short, this fleetwide broadcast deal with IMG marks a significant upgrade in how fans enjoy major sporting events at sea. By bringing FIFA World Cup 26 directly to passengers, Holland America Line sets a new standard for entertainment on cruise vacations, marrying world-class hospitality with the thrill of international football.
