FIFA seals – FIFA said it finalized a broadcast rights agreement for China with China Media Group covering the next four World Cups through 2031, with Chinese state-affiliated media reporting the 2026 rights were valued at $60 million—far below FIFA’s original $300 million
FIFA has finally locked in China’s World Cup broadcast rights, signing the deal with just 27 days left before the opening game of the tournament that matters most for the contract.
On Friday, FIFA confirmed an agreement with China Media Group covering the next four World Cups—two men’s tournaments and two women’s—through 2031. Chinese state-affiliated media reported the 2026 World Cup rights were valued at $60 million.
FIFA’s stated starting point was far higher. Chinese reports in recent weeks said FIFA had pushed for $300 million as the deadline for a deal drew closer.
The CMG agreement covers the 48-team, 104-game men’s tournament in North America beginning June 11, which China did not qualify for. FIFA noted the timing mattered because Beijing time differs by up to 15 hours from the 16 host cities spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“It’s a real pleasure that we have found an agreement with CMG,” FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström said in FIFA’s statement. Grafström was in China this week, meeting with officials from the Chinese soccer federation as well.
The deal arrives as Chinese companies have already committed significant investment to the 2026 World Cup, an event FIFA expects to earn more than $11 billion.
FIFA also pointed to its broader commercial presence in China. Technology firm Lenovo is one of FIFA’s eight top-tier sponsor partners, and second-tier arrangements have been signed by dairy company Mengniu and electronics manufacturer Hisense.
China’s relationship with FIFA has also included high-profile contract shifts. A long-term deal Wanda signed with FIFA in 2016 was terminated two years ago.
Beyond 2026, FIFA did not disclose the TV rights value for the 2030 World Cup.. It is set to be hosted mostly by Spain. Portugal and Morocco. with single games scheduled in Argentina. Paraguay and Uruguay. the original 1930 host.. FIFA said the 2030 hosting decision was made with no rival candidate after FIFA member federations confirmed it in November.
For the women’s tournament, the 2027 World Cup will be played in Brazil, and the 2031 World Cup will be mainly in the United States, along with Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica.
One other major broadcast deal remains unresolved: FIFA said a rights agreement for India has not been confirmed.
FIFA China Media Group World Cup broadcast rights 2026 World Cup 2030 World Cup 2027 Women’s World Cup 2031 World Cup Mattias Grafström Lenovo Mengniu Hisense Wanda
60 million seems low like how is FIFA even happy with that.
So they waited till like 27 days left and then somehow it’s $60M? That’s wild. Also China didn’t even qualify? Makes no sense to me but whatever.
I thought FIFA already had China locked for a lot more, like the $300M number. Maybe they’re just lowballing until the games start and then they’ll raise it later? Not sure how any of this works tbh.
This is probably why Wanda lost the contract or something, like FIFA always switching stuff around. Also they said the 2030 is Spain Portugal Morocco… so why keep talking like it’s gonna be some big mystery. And the India deal not confirmed? Sounds like FIFA forgot to renew half their partners.