FIFA has finalized a broadcast rights agreement for the 2026 World Cup with China Media Group (CMG), according to multiple outlets. The deal is reported at about $60 million, which is substantially lower than FIFA’s initial asking price reported in recent weeks of roughly $250–$300 million. The agreement is reached close to the start of the tournament, with several reports noting it is signed less than a month before the opening match.
FIFA says the CMG arrangement covers the next four World Cups through 2031, including both the men’s and women’s tournaments, with two men’s and two women’s editions included. The men’s tournament runs in North America and begins on June 11, though China does not qualify as a host nation for that event.
FIFA’s representatives indicate they reached the agreement with CMG after negotiations; one report also notes that FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström was in China for meetings.
Several outlets add that FIFA has not confirmed a separate broadcast rights deal for India. One report also attributes FIFA’s limited leverage to factors such as a significant time difference between China and Europe.
