Netflix have reportedly expressed interest in securing the World Cup broadcast rights for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments. The streaming giant already holds rights to the Women's World Cup for 2027 and 2031 in the United States and Canada, and has been expanding its live sports coverage, with football a key focus.
Netflix targets 2030 and 2034 World Cups
According to Sportico, several broadcasters have shown interest in the rights for the next two men's World Cups. Netflix is said to be targeting the 2030 edition, which will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain, with additional matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to mark the tournament's 100th anniversary. The 2034 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia, is also on Netflix's radar, which may lead FIFA to schedule it in winter, as was done for Qatar 2022.
UK protected by Category A rule
However, Netflix's interest is reportedly limited to the US and Canadian markets. In the UK, the World Cup is classified as a Category A event, meaning full live coverage must be available on free-to-air terrestrial channels such as BBC and ITV. Other events with the same status include the Women's World Cup, men's and women's European Championships, the FA Cup final, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Grand National, the Epsom Derby, the Rugby World Cup final, and Wimbledon. Broadcasters must ensure these 'crown jewel' events can be viewed freely by approximately 95% of the population. Paid or subscription services may provide live coverage but must share it with free-to-air channels.
Recent World Cup viewership
This summer's World Cup attracted millions of viewers in the UK, with every match shown live on BBC or ITV. Both networks aired the final, where Spain defeated Argentina after extra time thanks to Ferran Torres' winning goal. The largest average audience was England's semi-final against Argentina, drawing an estimated 14.1 million overnight viewers on BBC, with a peak of 24 million. ITV's highest figures came during England's quarter-final win over Norway, with around 12 million viewers tuning in.
