FIFA Opens U.S. World Cup Rights Bidding for 2030

FIFA has opened bidding for U.S. and Puerto Rico media rights to the 2030 World Cup, with prospective bidders also able to seek rights to the 2034 tournament. Offers are due by noon Eastern time on November 19, 2026, according to FIFA’s tender terms. The process allows FIFA to select one or more rights holders. The organization has not announced a date for its decision. FIFA chief business officer Romy Gai said the governing body intends to make its selection before 2027, but a specific timetable has not been published. Bidders may pursue the 2030 rights alone or include the 2034 tournament as an option. Gai said FIFA prefers to keep English- and Spanish-language rights with one bidder, while remaining open to dividing them or considering joint bids. The tender does not specify whether rights will be packaged by language or platform. FIFA has not disclosed an expected value for the rights. A press-reported estimate cited in coverage placed the possible value between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, but the tender itself contained no price estimate. The eventual amount and successful bidders will depend on the offers FIFA receives. The opening comes after the 2026 World Cup drew...