FIFA: EBU acquires broadcasting rights for the 2026 & 2030 World Cups in five territories

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has acquired broadcasting rights from FIFA for the 2026 World Cup (co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico) and the 2030 World Cup (Morocco-Portugal-Spain joint bid, to be announced at the end of 2024) for five territories, announced the alliance of public service media organisations present in 56 European countries on 28/10/2024.

The agreement covers Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Hungary for both competitions, as well as Israel for the 2026 World Cup only. "Under this agreement, EBU Members have committed to delivering extensive coverage of the tournaments, across TV, digital, and radio. Eurovision News will also support in coverage of the events, ensuring diverse reporting for EBU Members throughout the competitions," said the EBU.

In France, the M6 group acquired the exclusive free-to-air broadcasting rights to 54 matches of the 2026 World Cup and the same number of matches of the 2030 World Cup on 07/03/2024, for a sum close to €240m, according to the French daily Le Figaro of 08/03/2024.

• The EBU previously held the free-to-air…