who has tv rights to 2026 world cup

2 min read 13-03-2025

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, a joint venture between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is generating immense excitement. Naturally, a key question on many minds is: who has the TV rights? The answer isn't straightforward, as broadcasting rights are sold on a region-by-region basis. This article will break down what we know so far about who holds the television rights for the tournament in various key territories.

The Complexity of Global Broadcasting Rights

FIFA, the governing body of international football, sells broadcasting rights in packages tailored to specific geographic regions. This means that the broadcaster in, say, Europe, will be different from the broadcaster in Asia or North America. This complex system ensures maximum revenue for FIFA and provides various options for viewers worldwide. It's a massive undertaking, coordinating the distribution of such a globally watched event.

Confirmed Broadcasters (Partial List – Check Your Region)

Unfortunately, a complete global list isn't publicly available in one place. FIFA typically announces deals regionally as they're finalized. However, we can highlight some confirmed broadcasters in major territories:

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico):

This is a particularly interesting case, as the tournament is being hosted in three North American countries. Details on specific broadcasters and packages will likely be announced closer to the event. Keep an eye on official FIFA announcements and press releases from major networks like Fox, Telemundo (Spanish-language coverage), and potentially others.

Europe:

The European broadcasting rights are often highly contested. Major broadcasters like the BBC, ITV (UK), and various channels across other European countries have historically held rights to significant football matches. Confirmation of specific broadcasters for the 2026 World Cup will be announced in due course by FIFA.

Asia:

Several pan-Asian and country-specific broadcasters typically secure rights to major international sporting events, including the World Cup. Keep your eyes on official announcements from FIFA for specific details related to this region.

South America:

Similar to other regions, the South American broadcasting rights remain to be fully confirmed. Keep checking for updates from official sources as the tournament approaches. Many countries often have their own dedicated sports channels.

Africa:

The African broadcasting landscape for the World Cup is dynamic. Several broadcasters often collaborate to secure rights or individual channels might acquire rights for specific countries. Stay informed through official channels for accurate information.

Oceania:

Broadcasting rights for this region are often handled by a combination of national broadcasters and specialized sports networks. Check with your local TV listings closer to the event.

How to Find Your Local Broadcaster

The best way to find out who will broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup in your region is to:

Check the Official FIFA Website: FIFA's official website is the primary source for announcements regarding broadcasting partnerships.
Monitor Major Sports Networks: Keep an eye on announcements from major sports networks in your country.
Search Online: Use search terms like "[Your Country] 2026 World Cup TV Rights" to find the latest updates.

Conclusion

Securing the television rights for a global event like the 2026 World Cup is a complex process involving numerous deals across different territories. While a complete global list of broadcasters isn't yet available, this overview provides a starting point for finding out who will broadcast the matches in your region. Keep checking official sources for the latest information as the tournament approaches. Remember to always verify information from reliable news outlets and official FIFA announcements.