Vietnam Television (VTV), the state-owned broadcaster, has once again secured the rights to broadcast the upcoming FIFA World Cup national teams tournament. This move follows their successful coverage of the 2022 World Cup.
VTV will provide live coverage for all 104 matches of the expanded 48-team tournament. In addition to this, they will also produce a highlights show and offer video-on-demand content. The comprehensive coverage aims to cater to all sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts by providing them with an immersive experience of one of the world's most anticipated sporting events.
The broadcasts will be available through VTV's linear and digital platforms, as well as mobile and social media apps. This multi-platform approach ensures that viewers can access content wherever they are, enhancing their viewing experience.
Public screening rights included
The deal also includes public screening rights which allow VTV to organize large-scale viewing events and fan zones. It also permits them to broadcast matches in commercial and public premises, further expanding their reach.
The 2026 World Cup is set to take place from June 11th until July 19th. It is a historic event as it is hosted jointly by Mexico, US, and Canada - marking it as the first time that three countries have co-hosted a World cup event. Moreover, this edition features an expanded roster with a total of 48 participating teams. FIFA has been selling broadcasting rights across Southeast Asia independently for this edition but has engaged sports marketing agency Infront in an advisory role.
Do Thanh Hai, deputy director general at VTV, said:
"With modern production and broadcasting systems, along with extensive experience in covering major sporting events, VTV is ready to bring audiences a complete and immersive FIFA World Cup 2026 experience."
While no Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, have qualified for the American tournament, interest in the event remains high. In South Africa, pay-TV broadcaster SportyTV has acquired rights to show all 104 games. In Estonia, free-to-air broadcasters ERR and TV3 have also secured broadcasting rights. The Go3 streaming service owned by TV3 will cover all matches while ERR will broadcast 33 live matches and linear TV3 channel will air 36 matches. Other recent deals include global OTT platform DAZN and public broadcaster Rai securing rights in Italy; Now TV in Hong Kong; and Aleph in the Philippines.
