FIFA reached a broadcasting rights agreement with China Media Group on Friday for World Cup coverage, securing the deal just 27 days before tournament kickoff and accepting significantly less money than the soccer organization initially demanded.
The comprehensive deal encompasses four World Cups spanning through 2031, including both men’s and women’s competitions, according to FIFA’s announcement. This covers the expanded 48-team, 104-match men’s tournament beginning June 11 across North America, despite China’s absence from the competition.
State-affiliated Chinese media outlets reported Friday that the 2026 World Cup broadcasting rights carried a $60 million price tag.
According to Chinese media coverage in recent weeks leading up to the negotiation deadline, FIFA had initially demanded $300 million for the rights.
Broadcasting rights for India remain unresolved.
“It’s a real pleasure that we have found an agreement with CMG,” stated FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström in the organization’s official announcement. Grafström traveled to China this week, participating in discussions with Chinese soccer federation representatives.
FIFA’s negotiating position weakened due to the substantial time zone differences, with up to 15 hours separating Beijing from the 16 tournament venues distributed throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Chinese corporations have already committed substantial resources to the 2026 World Cup, which FIFA projects will generate over $11 billion in revenue.
Technology company Lenovo holds a position among FIFA’s eight premier sponsorship partners, while dairy company Mengniu and electronics maker Hisense secured secondary-level agreements.
Chinese business conglomerate Wanda had established a long-term partnership with FIFA in 2016, which ended two years ago.
FIFA did not reveal the financial terms for the 2030 World Cup television rights, a tournament China previously considered hosting as part of Wanda’s FIFA partnership strategy. The nation’s aspirations to host major international soccer events diminished during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2030 men’s competition will primarily take place in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with individual matches currently planned for Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, the original 1930 World Cup host nation.
Brazil will host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while the 2031 tournament will occur mainly in the United States, alongside Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica.
FIFA member federations are scheduled to formally approve this hosting arrangement, which faces no competing bids, in November.
