FIFA HAS FINALISED a broadcast rights deal with China Media Group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, just 27 days before the opening game on June 11. The agreement covers the next four World Cups, two men’s and two women’s tournaments, through 2031.
Chinese state-affiliated media reported the 2026 World Cup rights were valued at $60 million, well below the $300 million FIFA had originally sought. China did not qualify for the 48-team, 104-game men’s tournament in North America. A broadcast rights deal for India has not yet been confirmed.
FIFA’s negotiating position was weakened by a time difference of up to 15 hours between Beijing and the 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Despite this, Chinese companies have made significant investments in the 2026 World Cup, which is set to generate more than $11 billion for FIFA. Lenovo is among FIFA’s eight top-tier sponsors, while Mengniu and Hisense signed second-tier deals. Wanda, which had a long-term deal with FIFA from 2016, terminated its partnership two years ago.
The 2030 men’s World Cup will be hosted primarily in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with single games in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The 2027 Women’s World Cup goes to Brazil, and the 2031 Women’s World Cup to the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica.
