China Media Group Secures World Cup Broadcast Rights

China Media Group (CMG), the parent company of China's national broadcaster, has reportedly secured the broadcast rights for the World Cup. This news emerged on Friday, less than a month before the tournament's kickoff.

While the value and specific tournaments covered by the deal were not disclosed, FIFA had previously stated that broadcast negotiations for China were ongoing. This recent development follows speculation fueled by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom's visit to Beijing this week, where he met with Chinese Football Association head Song Kai.

For prior World Cups, state broadcaster CCTV typically secured rights well in advance. In 2018 and 2022, CCTV shared digital rights with online platforms like Migu and Youku. A source indicated that CCTV has requested China Mobile's streaming platform Migu to sign a distribution deal for the 2026 World Cup, though terms are not yet known.