beIN Sports Secures 2026 World Cup Rights in France, Snatching Key Ligue 1 Match from Ligue 1+

beIN Sports has secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for all matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in France, overtaking Ligue 1+, which had previously arranged an agreement with FIFA. This major development was reported on February 17, 2026, citing sources close to the matter. The Ligue de football professionnel (LFP) expressed strong disappointment, calling this "not good news for Ligue 1+" and convened an emergency board meeting to discuss repercussions.

The background to this acquisition reveals tensions between beIN Sports and the LFP's commercial arm, LFP Media. The latter had signed a nearly €20 million contract with FIFA for these rights, expected to be a routine ratification. However, beIN Sports retained its hold on the rights for 2026—and possibly 2030—continuing a relationship dating back to 2012. This outcome likely aggravates already strained relations with Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, PSG president and beIN Media Group head, who sits on the LFP board.

The rivalry extends beyond the World Cup. The high-profile Ligue 1 match between Lens and Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for April 11-12, 2026, will also broadcast on beIN Sports rather than Ligue 1+, which usually holds priority during odd-numbered matchdays. Ligue 1+ chose to air PSG against Lyon instead, unintentionally ceding the vital Lens-PSG clash to beIN Sports. This match is significant as a potential title decider for the 2025-2026 season and represents a missed chance for Ligue 1+ to attract new subscribers following their loss of World Cup broadcasting.

These developments illustrate a fierce battle for key broadcasting rights in French football. Recent legal disputes further underscore tensions: in January, a Paris tribunal ordered beIN Sports to pay over €14 million to LFP Media for unpaid dues related to Ligue 1 rights, while appeals by beIN and Canal+ over a claim for €660 million from the LFP were rejected.

As beIN Sports prepares a public announcement about the World Cup rights acquisition, the broader implication is a reshaped broadcasting landscape in France, with beIN Sports reinforcing its leadership over premium football content and Ligue 1+ facing challenges in maintaining its foothold.