FIFA: "record deal" with China Media Group to broadcast four World Cups (2026-2031)

FIFA has signed the "most important deal in FIFA's history in China" with China Media Group (China's leading state-owned media group and parent company of China's state broadcaster CCTV) for the broadcast rights to four major competitions, a spokesperson for the international federation confirmed to AFP on 19 May 2026.

The body announced the signing of this agreement on 15 May, after several weeks of direct negotiations with the broadcaster. CCTV will broadcast the entire 2026 and 2030 editions of the Men's World Cup, as well as the 2027 and 2031 editions of the Women's World Cup.

The value of the rights for the 2026 World Cup alone is valued at $60m (€51m), according to Chinese media outlet The Paper, while FIFA was hoping for $300m (€258m) for these rights, according to several specialised media. However, according to the FIFA spokesperson, the contract is "considerably higher than the figures reported".

• No broadcasting agreement for the 2026 World Cup has yet been announced in India, 22 days before the start of the competition.