China Media Group (CMG), the parent company of state broadcaster CCTV, has officially secured the media rights for the next two FIFA men’s and women’s World Cups. The deal guarantees Chinese fans full access to the 2026 and 2030 men’s tournaments, as well as the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cups. CMG will broadcast the matches across its free-to-air networks, digital platforms, and mobile apps, offering 4K and 8K coverage of the expanded 48-team format. Reports suggest the 2026 tournament rights alone cost around $60 million, reflecting FIFA’s adjustment to the evolving Chinese media market.
China Media Group confirmed as the official broadcaster in China PR for FIFA World Cup 2026™ and FIFA World Cup 2030™. The deal also includes rights for FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™ and the FIFA Women's World Cup 2031™.
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) May 15, 2026
https://t.co/iCArqfS0ue pic.twitter.com/VWerAT0j9K
In stark contrast, India remains the only major market without a confirmed broadcaster for the 2026 edition, set to kick off in North America on June 11. Negotiations have stalled over valuation gaps, with FIFA reportedly seeking $100 million for the 2026 and 2030 cycles, while major Indian players like JioStar have offered roughly $20 million for 2026 alone. The North American time zones, placing most matches between midnight and 8:00 AM IST, further complicate broadcasters’ willingness to pay premium fees.
The uncertainty has prompted legal intervention, with the Delhi High Court issuing notices to the government and Prasar Bharati following a petition seeking mandatory free-to-air coverage on DD Sports to avoid a blackout. Private broadcasters, including Sony and Viacom18, are reportedly hesitant, leaving digital platforms like Amazon Prime and YouTube Premium as potential last-minute contenders.
While Chinese fans can now plan ahead with certainty, Indian supporters are left in limbo, facing the prospect of missing live coverage of one of the world’s biggest sporting events. As the countdown to kickoff continues, the clock is ticking for a breakthrough in India’s broadcast negotiations.
Newsinc24 Team



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