M6 Secures Exclusive Free Broadcast Rights for FIFA World Cup 2026 in France

The broadcasting landscape for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in France has undergone significant changes with M6 obtaining exclusive rights to air 54 matches free of charge. This includes all matches featuring the French national team, the tournament's opening game on June 11, as well as the semi-finals and final. This marks the first time since 1978 that TF1 will not broadcast any World Cup matches, illustrating a major shift in French football broadcasting.

To accommodate viewers, particularly given the tournament's locations in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the streaming platform Molotov will provide time-shifting features, allowing fans to watch matches despite late-night or early-morning French time slots. Molotov also offers access to both free and premium channels, including M6’s broadcasts, without the need for a traditional television box, with compatibility across smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.

For comprehensive coverage, beIN SPORTS will broadcast all 104 World Cup matches, delivering premium content with extensive pre-match commentary and in-depth analysis. Molotov will also enrich the viewing experience with pre-competition shows and documentaries.

This diverse broadcasting arrangement ensures French viewers can enjoy the tournament across multiple platforms and channels depending on their preferences.

Separately, fans of other sports such as the NBA Finals featuring French star Victor Wembanyama can view games exclusively on Prime Video in France. Subscriptions cost €6.9 monthly or €69.9 annually, with a seven-day free trial for the NBA League Pass available to allow free access to early games in the final series.

The World Cup's new broadcasting setup combined with Molotov's technological features reflects a broader trend toward flexible, platform-based viewing in France, adapting to global sports events held in significantly different time zones.