Global sports subscription platform, DAZN, and public-service broadcaster Rai are reportedly on the brink of securing rights in Italy to soccer's 2026 FIFA World Cup. This development comes even as the country's national team's participation in the flagship event remains uncertain.
Italian media have reported that both DAZN and Rai are in final-stage negotiations to acquire packages of rights to the top-tier soccer tournament. The event is scheduled for June and July 2026 across Mexico, the US, and Canada. A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to Sportcal (GlobalData Sport) that DAZN is wrapping up contract negotiations around a deal expected by February end.
If successful, this would add Italy to a growing list of countries where DAZN has secured World Cup broadcasting rights. It already holds these rights in Japan (announced last December) and Spain (announced earlier this month). In both countries, it will air all 104 games from the tournament through deals with local partners. DAZN is no stranger to Italian football fans; it already broadcasts top domestic Serie A matches under a deal running through till 2028-29 season.
Rai’s potential package
For Rai, reports suggest that they will acquire rights to broadcast a package of games from the World Cup including all potential fixtures involving Italy – provided their national team qualifies via playoff encounters next month. Notably, Rai covered the last World Cup four years ago held in Qatar which Italy did not qualify for either.
The allocation of Italian broadcasting rights before playoff results means networks acquiring these rights are taking on significant risk given Italy's involvement at this stage remains uncertain. If Italy fails to qualify again - as was seen after their absence since 2014 - it could lead to a decrease in viewing figures and advertising revenue for the rights holder. FIFA launched its invitation to tender (ITT) process for World Cup rights in Italy in mid-October, with a submission deadline of November 25. The Italian national team has not participated in a men's FIFA World Cup since 2014, despite being considered one of Europe's foremost soccer nations.
In terms of recent rights deals for this year's edition, February saw Singaporean state broadcaster Mediacorp agree to show all 104 matches. This agreement also covers action from the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and additional FIFA events taking place between 2026 and 2028, including the U-17 and U-20 World Cups, as well as the U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups.
