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China’s State Broadcaster Unveils 2026 World Cup Media Plan After Securing Exclusive Rights

The plan leans on data tools plus city events to widen the audience.

Overview

  • The state broadcaster released an integrated plan in Beijing for China’s coverage of the North American tournament set for June 12 to July 20, 2026.
  • It confirmed exclusive full‑media rights in mainland China for FIFA’s new cycle covering open TV, pay TV, internet, and mobile with the power to sublicense.
  • FIFA Secretary‑General Matias Grafström delivered video remarks that called the Chinese market vital and welcomed the tie‑up.
  • Programming spans live match hubs and themed shows such as I Love the World Cup, Feast of the Giants, Happy World Cup, Girlfriends’ World Cup, and AI Watches the World Cup.
  • Reports have pegged the 2026 rights fee near $60 million, though the event did not disclose financial terms.