TVNZ+ scores record streaming with All Whites at FIFA World Cup

The All Whites' opening match against Iran on Tuesday delivered TVNZ+ its largest streaming day – with almost 2.3 million streams on the platform across the 24-hour period.

The match, a thrilling 2-2 draw, generated 555,000 streams on TVNZ+.

More than 465,000 people tuned in on TVNZ 1, placing the match among the top five highest-rated football matches on broadcast TV since 2010.

TVNZ chief executive Jodi O’Donnell said New Zealand has become a nation of football lovers and such large audiences indicated how passionately Kiwis were backing their team.

"Making every All Whites match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 available live and free-to-view was important to us – every Kiwi should have the opportunity to support our players on the world’s biggest stage.

"To achieve TVNZ+’s biggest streaming day ever so early in the tournament is a huge moment for us. It reflects the growing role TVNZ+ is playing in bringing major live events to audiences across Aotearoa.”

The match, in which Palmerston North’s Elijah Just made history as the first New Zealander to score two goals in a World Cup game, was the highest reaching individual sports event on TVNZ+. The previous record was the UEFA EUROS Final in 2024.

The All Whites' second group stage match is against Egypt on Monday, June 22. TVNZ 1's coverage will start at noon ahead of the 1pm kick off, with Chris Chang, All Whites goalkeeper Oli Sail and Wellington Phoenix legend Paul Ifill providing studio analysis and insight.

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