Nine’s streaming service Stan has further expanded its football offering, adding the European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to its slate.
Starting on September 5th from 12am (AEST), the remaining 144 pool matches, plus every play-off match in March, will be available live and exclusive on Stan Sport.
The format sees 48 national teams divided into 12 groups of four, playing home and away fixtures against each opposition. The group winners earn automatic qualification for the World Cup, while the remaining teams will enter the play-offs to secure a spot.
Europe has historically been the greatest footballing continent, winning 12 FIFA World Cups in total. Some of the biggest names in the sport will feature in the Qualifiers, including Portugal megastar Cristiano Ronaldo, French maestro Kylian Mbappé, England phenom Jude Bellingham, Norwegian leading scorer Erling Haaland, and Spain’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.
It is the latest football acquisition for Stan, after securing the exclusive Australian rights to the English Premier League earlier this year. The recent deal also included Japan’s J.League and the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League, and UEFA Women’s EURO 2025™, starting July 3rd.
More recently, it also secured the rights to the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Dan Taylor, Executive Director at Stan said: “The acquisition of the European Qualifiers further solidifies Stan Sport as the undisputed home of football. Combined with the Premier League, the Women’s Super League and the UEFA Champions League, which also kicks off this month, Stan Sport is the only place to see the biggest stars in the biggest games.
“There has never been a better time to be a football fan.”
Nine Entertainment posted revenue of $2.7 billion and a net profit after tax of $133 million in FY25. Nine’s streaming service Stan was a standout performer, fuelling second-half EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) to grow 8%.
Nine also pointed to audience growth across broadcast and streaming, with its platforms accounting for around 20% of TV screen time, ahead of competitors.