FIFA strikes World Cup broadcast agreement with Chinese state-run broadcaster
FIFA has finalised a broadcasting agreement with China Media Group for coverage of the upcoming World Cup, while the their negotiations with India remain unresolved.
FIFA has reached an agreement with the China Media Group, the parent of the country's state broadcaster, for the broadcasting rights of the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The decision comes just weeks before the tournament kicks off, ending a longstanding stand-off between the country and the global football body.
The agreement includes broadcasting rights for the men's World Cup tournaments in 2026 and 2030 and the women's tournament in 2027 and 2030, as reported by the state broadcaster CCTV. The financial terms, however, haven't been revealed.
China secures World Cup broadcasting rights
The state-run CMG has acquired an 'exclusive media and sub-licensing rights' in mainland China. It would cover free-to-air & paid television and will also be made available on online and mobile platforms, according to reports.
More from Football NewsWhile the exact financial terms haven't been disclosed, The Paper has claimed that the broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup cost USD 60 million.
Notably, the Chinese national football team have qualified for the global tournament just once in 2002. The women's team, on the other hand, has featured in eight tournaments and were the runner-ups in the 1999 edition after losing to the United States in a penalty shootout.
Talks with India still unresolved
FIFA finally found success after closing a broadcasting rights agreement with China. But their talks with India remain unresolved, as there is no officially announced broadcaster, with the tournament being just days away.
The global football body is still in confidential negotiations for the sale of media rights and has reportedly lowered the asking price from USD 100M to USD 35M. Jiohotstar have only bid USD 20M but remains in advanced talks with FIFA.
"Discussions in India regarding sale of media rights for FIFA World Cup 2026 are ongoing and must remain confidential at this stage," a FIFA statement read.
The FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 12, with co-hosts Mexico kicking off the tournament against South Africa at Estadio Azteca.
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