The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest live events in sport. But with different broadcasters, streaming platforms, and time zones, it is not always simple to watch every match when it happens.
This guide shows where you can watch the FIFA World Cup in Germany and the U.S. It also explains how recording works, why Smart TV recording can be limited, and why Audials is the best way to record World Cup matches on your PC for flexible offline viewing.
How to Watch the FIFA World Cup
Before you record a World Cup match, you need to know where it is shown in your country. The exact broadcaster depends on your location, language, and whether you want free-to-air TV, paid TV, or streaming.
How to Watch the FIFA World Cup in Germany
In Germany, viewers can watch many FIFA World Cup matches on ARD and ZDF. These public broadcasters show 60 of the 104 matches free-to-air, including key matches such as Germany games, the semi-finals, and the final. MagentaTV shows all 104 matches live, including 44 exclusive matches.
German viewers can also watch ARD and ZDF live streams through Joyn when those matches are shown free-to-air. Joyn lists ARD and ZDF among its free live TV channels, and current World Cup coverage guides state that ARD/ZDF matches are also available as free streams on Joyn.
That means German viewers have three main options:
- Watch selected matches on ARD or ZDF.
- Stream ARD/ZDF matches through Joyn.
- Use MagentaTV to watch every match, including exclusive games.
How to Watch the FIFA World Cup in the U.S.
In the United States, English-language coverage is available through FOX and FOX streaming options. Spanish-language coverage is available through Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock.
For U.S. viewers, this means the best option depends on language preference and TV setup. Some matches may be available through local FOX access. Spanish-language viewers can use Telemundo, Universo, or Peacock.
What about Other Countries?
You can see on this FIFA page which TV and streaming sources will broadcast the World Cup.
How to record the FIFA World Cup
Below we will show you some ways how to record the World Cup.
Screen Recorder
A screen recorder is a software application that captures anything that you play on your PC. It is easy to use, you just need to preset the audio settings and choose the area of the screen. Then you need to click the record button and stop as soon as the game or match is over.
However, not all screen recorders are suitable to capture streaming so that you only could see a black screen in your video.
Can You Record the FIFA World Cup on a Smart TV?
In Germany, it may be possible to record World Cup matches from ARD or ZDF directly on a Smart TV if your TV supports PVR recording. PVR stands for Personal Video Recorder and describes recording TV shows to USB stick or external hard drive.
This can work well for traditional TV broadcasts. For example, if your Smart TV receives ARD or ZDF through cable, satellite, or antenna, you may be able to record the match to a USB drive or external hard disk.
What You Should Know about Smart TV Recording
Smart TV recording usually depends on the exact TV model. Not every device supports PVR, and some TVs require a compatible external hard drive rather than a simple USB stick.
The TV often formats the USB drive in its own system. That can erase existing files on the drive.
Recordings are often tied to the same TV. Verbatim explains that TV-recorded files are commonly linked to the specific TV set, so you cannot simply record on one TV and watch the file on another TV or computer.
Smart TV recording is also less flexible. It usually records linear TV, not necessarily streams from apps such as Joyn, ARD Mediathek, ZDFmediathek, or streaming apps like Peacock.
Another issue is timing. Football matches can go into extra time and penalties. If the recording schedule is too short, the most important part of the match may be missing.
Important: DMCA 1201
The US Copyright Act (DMCA) stipulates in Article 1201 that no “effective protection” of copyright-protected content may be circumvented.
The tool “Audials One” presented here fully meets these requirements. More information
Why Audials Is the Best Way to Record the FIFA World Cup
Audials gives you more control than a Smart TV recorder. Instead of tying a recording to one television, it records on your Windows PC and helps you save, organize, and enjoy your media offline. Recording works with Audials without negative surprizes like black screens.
Audials is not just about recording. It helps you build a clear media collection. You can keep World Cup matches, highlights, interviews, or football programs organized on your PC and play them offline.
Record World Cup Matches from ARD, ZDF, Joyn, Peacock and More
Audials is designed for users who want more control over their streaming and video content. Depending on your country and access rights, you can use Audials to record World Cup streams from the services available to you.
For German viewers, this can include ARD, ZDF, and Joyn streams for free-to-air matches. For U.S. viewers, it can include Peacock.
Audials also has a screen recorder to capture any other content that you play on your Windows PC.
Audials is positioned for personal and private recording and does not bypass copy protection.
Audials Gives You Flexibility
With Audials One, your recording workflow is PC-based. You are not limited to one device. You can organize recordings more clearly, keep your football, movie or TV show content together, and watch offline when it suits you.
Try now for free or benefit from 30 days money-back guarantee
How to Record the FIFA World Cup with Audials
- Prepare the video source
On your Windows PC, open the official streaming service or broadcaster available in your country. Choose the World Cup match or program you want to watch.
- Start Audials
Then start Audials and select the video recording option. Choose the recording settings, for example the quality and the webbrowser (Firefox, Edge or Chrome). Audials records the stream while it plays and saves the result on your computer.
- Stop when the stream is ready
After the recording, you can rename the file, sort it into a World Cup folder, and keep your matches organized by team, date, or tournament stage.
Tips for Recording World Cup Matches
- Start the recording before kick-off. Pre-match coverage often includes lineups, atmosphere, and analysis.
- Check your storage space. Full matches need more space than short clips.
- Make sure your internet connection is stable before the match begins.
Record the FIFA World Cup and Rewatch it Offline
One of the biggest advantages of recording with Audials is offline access. Once you have recorded a match, you do not need to rely on a replay window, app availability, or a stable internet connection. You can transfer the videos on tablets, smartphones and other devices.
This is helpful if you travel, miss a late kick-off, or want to rewatch a match later. Your World Cup recordings stay in your own organized media collection.
The Best Way to Keep Your World Cup Moments
The FIFA World Cup creates moments you may want to watch again: a last-minute goal, a dramatic penalty shootout, a great opening match, or your team’s best performance.
FAQ
In Germany, ARD and ZDF show 60 of 104 matches free-to-air. MagentaTV shows all 104 matches, including 44 exclusive matches. ARD and ZDF matches can also be streamed through Joyn.
In the U.S., English-language coverage is available through FOX. Spanish-language coverage is available through Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock.
Yes, you can record the World Cup with Audials One on your Windows PC.
Yes, if your Smart TV supports PVR recording and receives ARD or ZDF as a TV broadcast. You usually need a compatible USB drive or external hard drive. However, recordings may be tied to the same TV and may not play on another device.
