According to reports, Netflix is interested in acquiring the rights to broadcast the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. The streaming giant has already secured the rights to broadcast next year’s Women’s World Cup in the United States and Canada, in addition to the 2031 tournament. They have placed an increasing emphasis on live sports in recent years, with soccer being a top priority.
According to Sportico, several broadcasters have already expressed interest in broadcasting rights to the next two World Cups. Netflix is said to be targeting the 2030 Games to be held in Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Matches will also be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup.
According to reports, Netflix is also interested in the 2034 version, which is scheduled to be staged in Saudi Arabia. As a result, it seems likely that FIFA will return to its winter schedule, similar to when the World Cup was held in Qatar in 2022.
However, it is claimed that Netflix is only competing in the US and Canada. In the UK, matches will continue to be shown on free-to-air channels, likely the BBC and ITV.
This is because the World Cup is classified as a Category A event, which means full live coverage must be available on terrestrial channels.
Other events under the Category A banner include the Women’s World Cup, Men’s and Women’s Euros, FA Cup Final, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Grand National and Epsom Derby, Rugby World Cup Final and Wimbledon.
British broadcasters must make these crown jewel events freely available to around 95 per cent of the population.
Paid and subscription-based networks can also offer live broadcasts, but they must share it with free-to-air channels.
This summer’s World Cup attracted millions of viewers across the country, with every match broadcast live on the BBC or ITV.
Both networks broadcast the final live, with Spain defeating Argentina in extra time with Ferran Torres’ winning goal.
The highest average audience of the tournament was the semi-final between England and Argentina, which drew an estimated 14.1 million viewers per night on the BBC, with a peak audience of 24 million viewers.
ITV’s highest numbers were recorded during England’s quarter-final victory over Norway, with around 12 million viewers watching live.
