In a major shift in global soccer broadcasting, Netflix has acquired exclusive rights to broadcast the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, the streaming giant announced Tuesday. Under the agreement, Netflix will stream all 104 matches of the 48-team tournament live, during a special edition marking the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup.
The announced rights apply only to Spain and Andorra, rather than worldwide coverage of the tournament. According to the company, at least one match on every matchday will be available free of charge. A package that includes all of Spain's matches, both semifinals and the final will also be broadcast on a free-to-air national television channel. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, but its first three matches will take place in South America as part of the centennial celebrations commemorating the inaugural tournament, held in Uruguay in 1930. Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will each host one match before the main tournament moves to Europe and North Africa.
The agreement marks a significant step for Netflix as it expands its involvement in live sports broadcasting. In 2024, the company signed a deal with FIFA to acquire U.S. broadcasting rights for the Women's World Cup tournaments in 2027 and 2031. It is now entering its first major broadcasting agreement involving the men's World Cup.
Spain national team fans
(Photo: Axel Schmidt/Reuters)
FIFA has traditionally favored partnerships with public broadcasters to ensure the tournament reaches the widest possible audience. The agreement with Netflix in Spain combines streaming coverage with a commitment to making some matches available free of charge.
"Few events bring people together like the World Cup," said Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria following the announcement. "We're excited to bring every match to fans across Spain and Andorra on Netflix."
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström added: "We are delighted to continue developing our partnership with Netflix ahead of the 2030 World Cup. This will be a special edition of the tournament, and we look forward to working together to bring it to fans across Spain and Andorra."