China Secures World Cup Broadcasting Deal with FIFA Amid Last-Minute Negotiations

China Media Group has finalized a World Cup broadcasting agreement with FIFA, covering men's and women's tournaments from 2026 to 2031. The deal grants exclusive rights in China, spanning TV and digital platforms. The announcement has gained significant attention on social media, drawing relief from fans.

In a significant move, China Media Group has struck a deal with FIFA for the broadcasting rights to upcoming World Cup tournaments. The agreement, finalized on Friday, puts an end to prolonged negotiations and grants China exclusive access to air the events in 2026 and 2030 for men's and 2027 and 2031 for women's tournaments.

China Media Group's parent of China’s state broadcaster, CCTV, reported that these rights will encompass free-to-air, paid television, online, and mobile platforms within mainland China. The precise financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. Notably, China houses the largest soccer fan base globally, with approximately 200 million enthusiasts following the sport.

The announcement quickly created a stir on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo. Within just 45 minutes, related discussions garnered over 27 million views, reflecting the widespread interest and excitement among fans, eager to watch the tournaments without concern for access.