CMG Reaches Agreement With FIFA For WC 2026 Broadcast In China

Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 22:43 IST

The China Media Group's agreement with the world governing body brings an end to a dispute over domestic television rights, slated to begin on the 11th of June.

The China Media Group, the parent organisation of China’s state broadcaster reached an agreement with FIFA for broadcasting the 2026 World Cup, a month ahead of the spectacle slated to be held in USA, Canada and Mexico beginning in June.

The announcement brings an end to a dispute over domestic television rights for the tournament, with the CMG group stating that the deal also includes broadcasting rights for the men’s World Cup in 2030 and the Women’s World Cups in 2027 and 2031.

“Under the agreement, China Media Group has secured exclusive mainland China media rights and sublicensing rights for all platforms across the period, including free-to-air television, pay-TV, the internet and mobile devices," CMG’s statement read.

“China Media Group is one of Fifa’s important global partners, and the two sides have worked together since 1978. CMG will leverage its all-media communication matrix and world-class production and broadcasting capabilities to present audiences with a thrilling football spectacle," the group promised.

The announcement follows a visit to Beijing this week by a FIFA delegation – including secretary general Mattias Grafstrom and director of media rights Jean-Christophe Petit – aimed at winning over the country’s state broadcaster. FIFA subsequently confirmed the terms of the agreement in its own statement on Friday.

“It’s a real pleasure that we have found an agreement with CMG," Grafstrom said.

“We know the passion of Chinese football fans, and we’re very happy and proud of our partnership with CMG to bring the FIFA World Cup to all fans in China."

“CMG have been a strong partner for the last 50 years and having them on board for the next two editions of the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup will really enhance the way the tournament will be broadcast."

“CMG are at the forefront of broadcast technology, so we’re really looking forward to taking this FIFA World Cup, the first with 48 teams, to the next level," Grafstrom added.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

News sports football CMG Reaches Agreement With FIFA For WC 2026 Broadcast In China

Read More