March 11, 2024
M6 has secured the free-to-air media rights for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2030 FIFA World Cup in France, Monaco, Andorra, and the French overseas territories. BY K Dass.
France - In a surprising turn of events, the
M6 Group (Metropole Télévision SA) has secured the broadcasting rights for the
FIFA World Cup in France for both 2026 and 2030. Previously, it was anticipated
that TF1, which holds the rights to matches involving the French national team,
would also acquire the rights for these prestigious football tournaments.
However, TF1 reportedly submitted a bid for the 2026 World Cup, but was unable
to match the offer made by M6.
The 2026 FIFA
World Cup is scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada, and
Mexico from June to July 2026. Subsequently, the 2030 FIFA World Cup will be
hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. M6’s commitment to broadcasting these
legendary competitions reflects their deep attachment to sports and their
desire to attract massive audiences through their media platforms. The group
already holds rights to other major football events, including UEFA Euro 2024,
the Europa League until June 2024, the Champions League Final from 2025 to
2027, and matches involving the French women’s football team until 2027.
“We are
delighted with this historic agreement for the M6 Group and to be able to host
this legendary competition on our broadcasts. This commitment reflects the
Group’s deep attachment and leadership in sport,” said outgoing chairman
Nicolas de Tavernost.
Under the
agreement, M6 will broadcast 54 matches in each of the two tournaments. The
2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the
USA, is scheduled from 11 June to 19 July 2026. It will feature an
unprecedented 104 matches due to a record 48 teams, 16 Host Cities, and three
Host Countries.
Similarly,
the 2030 FIFA World Cup is set to be decided by the FIFA Congress later in
2024, with the only candidate being the joint bid from Morocco, Portugal, and
Spain, along with one match each in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. This
tournament will mark 100 years since the first edition of the FIFA World Cup™
was held in Uruguay, with France among the 13 entrants. The exact amount paid
by M6 for these broadcasting rights has not been explicitly mentioned in the
available information.