Urdu Report Desk
Netflix has secured the broadcasting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Spain and Andorra, marking the streaming company’s first coverage of a major men’s international football tournament in Spain.
According to Reuters, Netflix announced the deal on Tuesday but did not disclose its financial terms.
Free World Cup Matches for Spanish Viewers
Under the agreement, viewers in Spain will be able to watch one match free of charge each day during the tournament.
Netflix will also provide a free-to-air television channel to broadcast selected matches. The coverage will include every match played by Spain, both semi-finals and the final.
However, Netflix has not yet announced which channel will be used to deliver the free broadcasts.
Spain’s public television network, TVE, declined to comment on whether it was interested in acquiring rights to broadcast additional matches from the tournament.
Spain to Co-Host the 2030 World Cup
Spain will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Portugal and Morocco. As part of celebrations marking the tournament’s centenary, opening matches will also be played in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Uruguay hosted the inaugural World Cup in 1930, making the 2030 edition a landmark event marking 100 years of the competition.
Netflix Expands Its Sports Broadcasting Portfolio
Netflix has increasingly moved beyond films and television dramas into live sports broadcasting. Its sports programming already includes the National Football League (NFL), baseball, WWE, boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA).
The company also holds broadcasting rights for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in the United States and Canada, with Brazil set to host the tournament. Netflix additionally holds rights for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico and the United States.
Competition With Traditional Broadcasters
Netflix’s acquisition of the 2030 World Cup rights marks another significant step in its expansion into sports broadcasting.
The agreement strengthens the company’s position in the live sports market and adds to the competition facing traditional television broadcasters and established sports streaming platforms.
