Ballon d’Or 2026: date, time in your country and how to watch

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place on Monday 26 October at 20:00 GMT at the London Palladium. That is 21:00 in Paris and Casablanca, and 16:00 in New York on the date of the event. DAZN says it will stream the ceremony live and free in 200 markets, but its agreement excludes France and several other territories. Here is the schedule and a practical way to check the legal broadcast where you live.

What time does the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony start?

UEFA’s ticket information lists a 20:00 GMT start. This is the time to use when converting the ceremony to your local clock. The UK switches back to GMT just before the event, while parts of North America remain on daylight saving time until November. A listing that simply says “8 pm” without a time zone can therefore be misleading.

These conversions apply to 26 October under the currently scheduled time-zone rules. Check your device’s local clock again close to the ceremony, especially if you are travelling.

Where can you watch the Ballon d’Or legally?

DAZN announced a free live stream for 200 markets on 8 September 2026. Its own release lists France, Spain, Norway and a number of other countries as excluded territories. Andorra and Türkiye have non-exclusive DAZN rights. The announcement is global in scope, but it does not mean that a DAZN stream will work in every country.

If you are in France, DAZN’s 2026 rights announcement does not include France. Check the official L’Équipe television schedule and the organisers’ updates nearer the date rather than assuming that last year’s broadcaster has the same rights this year. Elsewhere, check DAZN’s availability for your location and the full exclusions list in its release. A local rights holder may also provide coverage.

Use the official DAZN announcement, Ballon d’Or website and a local broadcaster’s programme guide. Be wary of social posts that promise an unofficial “free live” stream and ask for payment details.

Why is the 2026 ceremony in London?

This is the award’s 70th anniversary. The organisers chose London as a tribute to Stanley Matthews, the first Ballon d’Or winner in 1956. UEFA confirms that the ceremony will be held at the London Palladium. The move is an anniversary choice; it does not change the fact that France Football and UEFA co-organise the event.

Who is in contention, and what decides the vote?

The nominees were announced in September, but a nomination is not a prediction of the final ranking. France Football’s voting criteria put individual performances and decisive displays first, followed by team results and honours, then class and fair play. A favourite can change as voters weigh a full season rather than one viral highlight.

The evening also recognises women’s football, young players, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs. For the complete shortlist and any changes to the running order, use the organisers’ published information rather than a speculative social-media graphic.

Frequently asked questions

When is the 2026 Ballon d’Or?

Monday 26 October 2026 at 20:00 GMT, at the London Palladium.

What time is it in France?

21:00 in mainland France on 26 October, based on the scheduled change to winter time.

Is the ceremony free to watch on DAZN?

DAZN says its live stream will be free in 200 markets. France and other territories are excluded from that agreement, so confirm availability in your country.

Which channel has the rights in France?

The DAZN announcement excludes France. Check the official French television schedule and the organisers’ broadcaster information closer to the event; do not rely on a 2025 list for the 2026 rights.

The essential takeaway

Save 26 October at 20:00 GMT. The time and London venue are confirmed; the broadcast option depends on your territory. A country check is more useful than a universal channel claim.

Sources, checked 3 October 2026: UEFA — ceremony start time; UEFA — venue and awards; DAZN — free stream and excluded markets; Ballon d’Or — voting criteria.