Chinese state broadcaster CCTV announced this Friday (15) that it has acquired the broadcasting rights for this year’s football World Cup and the 2030 edition, following the agreement signed between FIFA (International Football Federation) and CCTV’s parent company, China Media Group (CMG).
“The association includes the 2026 World Cup, the 2030 World Cup, the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2031 Women’s World Cup,” CCTV said of a deal that includes broadcasts across television, internet and mobile devices.
The agreement puts to rest the concerns of millions of football fans in China who, less than a month before the start of the World Cup in North America, were still unsure whether they would be able to watch the event on TV.
The Chinese will have the inconvenience of schedules, as both the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, on June 11, and the final in New Jersey, on July 19, will start at 3 am for residents of Beijing and Shanghai.
CCTV did not reveal the value of the agreement, but Chinese newspaper The Paper reported, citing sources close to the negotiations, that the contract is valued at US$60 million (R$300 million).
According to the Chinese press, FIFA’s initial high expectations had made it impossible to sign the agreement until now.
Representatives from the Zurich-based entity traveled to the Asian country this week to meet with representatives from CMG, said a source close to the negotiations.
The announcement of the agreement also coincided with US President Donald Trump’s visit to China.
Chinese media outlets received invitations to a CMG presentation event on Sunday (17), when details of coverage and distribution agreements are expected to be revealed.
India
With the solution for broadcasting the World Cup in China, FIFA still needs to close an agreement with the other Asian giant, India.
The two countries have a combined population of three billion and represent a gigantic market for FIFA.
Although the two nations are not qualified for the World Cup organized in the United States, Canada and Mexico, interest in the tournament is high, particularly among the Chinese.
According to FIFA, China was responsible for 49.8% of the total viewing hours on digital platforms and social networks across the planet during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Many Chinese internet users celebrated on social media the signing of the agreement that will allow the World Cup games to be broadcast in the country.
