A visitor films the FIFA World Cup 2026-themed decorations at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Canada, on May 11, 2026. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)
Beijing: China's state broadcaster CCTV announced Friday it has secured the rights to air the FIFA World Cup this year and in 2030, ending an agonising wait for fans in the football-mad country.
With kick-off less than a month away, hundreds of millions of Chinese fans had been left wondering whether they could watch matches before the unusually late deal was finally announced.
The showpiece event, which promises to be the biggest-ever World Cup, is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and begins on June 11 when the Mexicans face South Africa.
"The partnership covers the 2026 World Cup, the 2030 World Cup, the 2027 Women's World Cup and the 2031 Women's World Cup," CCTV said.
The agreement between FIFA and CCTV's parent company, China Media Group (CMG), includes broadcast rights for TV, internet and mobile, it said.
CCTV did not detail how much the deal was worth.
Chinese media outlet The Paper reported the deal was valued at $60 million, citing people familiar with the matter.
Media outlet 21st Century Business Herald said it received an invitation to a CMG launch event on Sunday, where it is expected to release details of its coverage and distribution arrangements.
For fans in Beijing and Shanghai the opening match will start at 3am, as will the final.
