China Media Group (CMG), the parent company of the national broadcaster CCTV, has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for four FIFA World Cup tournaments through 2031, the organizations announced on May 15, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
The agreement covers the 2026 men's World Cup hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the 2030 men's World Cup, and the 2027 and 2031 women's World Cups [3]. CMG holds exclusive media rights across mainland China for all platforms. This includes free-to-air television, pay TV, internet streaming, and mobile distribution [3].
Ahead of the 2026 tournament, CCTV has requested that China Mobile’s streaming service Migu sign a distribution agreement to carry the World Cup content [1, 2]. In previous tournaments, CCTV has sublicensed streaming rights to platforms like Migu, Alibaba’s Youku, Douyin, and various regional TV stations across China [1, 2].
FIFA had initially sought US$300 million for the 2026 broadcast rights alone. CCTV offered US$80 million, but the final value of the broadcast rights agreement remains undisclosed [3]. China Media Group emphasized its longstanding partnership with FIFA dating back to 1978. The company pledged to use "its all-media communication matrix and world-class production and broadcasting capabilities to present audiences with a thrilling football spectacle," the broadcaster said [3].
The finalized deal follows a visit in early May 2026 by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom to Beijing, where he met the Chinese Football Association head Song Kai to discuss ongoing negotiations [1, 2].
The next major milestone will be the 2026 men’s World Cup, beginning later this year in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, where CMG will hold exclusive broadcast and sublicensing rights in China.
