"Netflix" acquires broadcasting rights for the World Cup

Netflix announced today, Tuesday, that it has acquired exclusive rights to broadcast the 2030 FIFA World Cup matches in Spain, which is co-hosting the tournament. The agreement allows a public broadcasting authority to air daily matches, including those featuring the defending champion Spain.

In an official statement, Netflix confirmed it will stream all 104 matches of the tournament live, featuring 48 teams, hosted by Spain in collaboration with Portugal and Morocco. The first three matches will take place in South America.

The value of the deal has not been disclosed, but the broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup were awarded to the Spanish public broadcaster for €55 million ($61.6 million).

The FIFA organization is celebrating the centenary of the World Cup in 2030 by holding three matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, which hosted the first edition in 1930. The remaining matches will be held in Southern Europe and North Africa.

Netflix has successfully secured rights to its first men's tournament after signing an agreement with FIFA to broadcast the women's World Cup matches in 2027 and 2031 in the United States.

FIFA is expected to announce next month the hosting of the 2031 Women's World Cup in the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica.

FIFA typically prefers to select public broadcasters for World Cup rights to expand viewership, and Netflix's deal in Spain includes a provision to broadcast matches for free.

Spain and Morocco are competing to host the final of the 2030 World Cup, with the decision now tied to political and governmental considerations, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strong ties with officials in Morocco.

The final match is expected to be held either at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, or at the King Hassan II Stadium, currently under construction, with a capacity of 115,000 spectators.