Overview

• Telekom secured exclusive German broadcasting rights to all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup, planning to sublicense a sizeable share to free-to-air channels.
• The German media treaty mandates that opening fixtures, matches involving Germany, both semifinals and the final must air on free-to-air television.
• ARD and ZDF held an initial meeting with Telekom in Berlin but have not reconvened since; RTL and ProSiebenSat.1 are also in contention for sublicensing slots.
• Telekom aims to recoup its investment through sublicensing fees and could employ a deal structure similar to its 2024 European Championship agreement.
• FIFA is offering 30 matches of the 2027 Women’s World Cup for free-to-air sublicensing, drawing interest from major German broadcasters.