Netflix has bought exclusive rights to broadcast the 2030 World Cup in co-host Spain, in a deal that lets a free-to-air public broadcaster show games each day, including the defending champion's. Netflix said it will stream all 104 games live during the 48-team tournament, which Spain will co-host with Portugal and Morocco after the opening three games are played in South America. The value of the deal was not disclosed.
For comparison, Spanish rights for the 2026 edition, played across North America, went to public broadcaster RTVE, reportedly for €55 million ($61.6 million). The 2030 tournament is the centenary edition, and FIFA is marking the anniversary with original 1930 host Uruguay, plus Argentina and Paraguay, each hosting one game. The main tournament then moves to southern Europe and north Africa.
Netflix's first major deal for a men's World Cup follows a 2024 agreement with FIFA for U.S. rights to the Women's World Cup in 2027 and 2031. FIFA typically chooses public broadcasters for World Cup rights to maximize audiences, and the Spain deal includes a free-to-air promise. Netflix said one match per matchday will be free in Spain, and a package including every Spain match, both semifinals and the final will be available on a national free-to-air broadcaster.
Spain and Morocco are competing to host the final, a decision that has become linked to politics at national government and FIFA levels. FIFA's embattled president Gianni Infantino has close ties to Moroccan football. The final would be played either at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium or the 115,000-seat King Hassan II Stadium being built near Casablanca.
উৎস: ESPN Soccer · সারাংশ: HeadlinesBriefing