BeIN Sports Secures Broadcasting Rights for 2026 FIFA World Cup in France, Overshadowing Ligue 1+

BeIN Sports has secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for all matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in France, a major development that has disrupted the plans of Ligue 1+, which had previously reached an agreement with FIFA. The 2026 tournament, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will feature 104 matches. BeIN Sports, the historic World Cup broadcaster in France since 2012, secured the rights after outbidding Ligue 1+, despite the latter's contract with FIFA valued at nearly €20 million. This unexpected outcome has led to an emergency board meeting by the Ligue de football professionnel (LFP) to deliberate on the repercussions.

LFP Media had signed the contract with FIFA and anticipated a smooth ratification, but the surprise bid from BeIN changed the broadcasting landscape. This decision also affects the LFP's ambitions to expand Ligue 1+'s subscriber base, which currently exceeds one million but has yet to translate into substantial TV rights revenue for French clubs.

Tensions between the LFP and BeIN Media Group, led by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, PSG president and LFP board member, remain high. Recent legal battles have exacerbated the strain, including a Paris economic tribunal ordering BeIN to pay over €14 million to LFP Media for unpaid Ligue 1 broadcasting rights fees. Additionally, disputes involving Canal+ and claims totaling around €660 million have further complicated the relationship.

In response to the FIFA rights decision, Nicolas de Tavernost, general director of LFP Media and architect of Ligue 1+, expressed his inability to continue in his role, highlighting the disruption caused. The fallout underscores the ongoing challenges within French football broadcasting as BeIN Sports consolidates its position for both the 2026 and potentially the 2030 World Cup rights.

This development marks a significant shift in the French sports media landscape, with BeIN Sports strengthening its hold over major football broadcasting rights despite fierce competition and legal entanglements.