FIFA signs CMG deal to broadcast World Cups in China through 2031

FIFA has reached a new broadcasting agreement with China Media Group (CMG) to show the men’s and women’s World Cup tournaments in China through 2031, ending a dispute over television rights less than a month before the 2026 tournament begins. The agreement was announced on Friday, with FIFA’s first match in the Americas scheduled for June 11.

Under the deal, CMG, the parent of China’s state broadcaster CCTV, will secure exclusive mainland China media rights and sublicensing rights across free-to-air television, pay television, and digital platforms for multiple editions of the World Cup. FIFA said CMG will broadcast the 2026 and 2030 men’s tournaments, along with the 2027 and 2031 women’s World Cup events. The deal also resolves uncertainty that had raised concerns about whether China would be left without an official broadcaster for the 2026 competition, which features a 48-team format.

The parties also confirmed that CMG’s rights cover the next four World Cups, aligning with FIFA’s goal of extending tournament access in major global markets. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström described the agreement as an important partnership for global football in his remarks included...