DAZN, the global sports subscription platform, has secured the main rights package to broadcast all 104 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Italy. This move comes as part of DAZN's long-term partnership with FIFA and its commitment to providing comprehensive coverage of soccer events.
The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, spanning across three countries - United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition to DAZN's extensive live-streaming service, public broadcaster Rai will also provide coverage for select matches free-to-air (FTA).
Rai confirmed on February 27 that it would broadcast a total of 35 matches. These include the opening match, all games featuring the Italian national team (provided they qualify), semi-finals and final. The public broadcaster also holds non-exclusive radio rights for all matches.
Extensive tournament highlights across platforms
Rai plans on offering an immersive experience by airing at least 32 matches on its primary channel - Rai1 while also providing highlights and clips from every match across its TV and digital platforms. This follows their successful coverage of the previous World Cup held in Qatar in 2022.
This deal is a significant expansion of DAZN’s existing relationship with FIFA which includes a global deal for the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 as well as plans to relaunch the FIFA+ streaming service this year.
FIFA initiated its invitation to tender (ITT) process for World Cup rights in Italy around mid-October last year with a submission deadline set at November 25th. Earlier this month reports surfaced about ongoing negotiations between DAZN and Rai regarding these rights packages. A source familiar with these discussions confirmed that contract negotiations with DAZN were in the final stages.
Expanding global coverage
DAZN's acquisition of World Cup rights in Italy adds to their already secured rights in Japan and Spain. In both countries, DAZN will broadcast all 104 matches from the tournament. The deal for Spain was made possible through a partnership with Mediapro.
DAZN Group chief executive, Shay Segev, said:
“The agreement with FIFA to broadcast the world’s most iconic football tournament to passionate football fans in Italy underscores the increasing role DAZN is playing as a key partner for premium sports across the globe.
“We’re delighted that DAZN will be the go-to broadcaster for the full tournament in Italy.”
Italy, one of Europe's leading soccer nations, has not participated in a men's FIFA World Cup since 2014. Their participation in the upcoming tournament is yet to be confirmed as they face Northern Ireland in a playoff semi-final on March 26th. If victorious, they will compete against the winner of Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina for qualification into the World Cup.
This deal marks an exciting time for sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike as it promises comprehensive coverage of one of soccer’s biggest events on multiple platforms.
