FIFA has launched a 30-day bidding process for the U.S. media rights to the 2030 men’s World Cup, setting the stage for a new battle between traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms. Interested parties can also submit bids covering the 2034 tournament in Saudi Arabia.
The tender, announced on October 22, will remain open until November 19. The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with the competition marking the centenary of the tournament’s inaugural edition in Uruguay in 1930.
Fox Sports, which has held the English-language U.S. rights since 2018, is expected to seek an extension. The broadcaster secured the 2026 tournament for a reported $485 million after FIFA granted it an extension without a competitive bidding process. Fox had previously agreed to pay $425 million for the 2018 and 2022 editions.
The 2026 World Cup’s record U.S. audience could strengthen FIFA’s negotiating position. Spain’s victory over Argentina in the final averaged 38.94 million viewers on Fox, while the overall U.S. audience reached approximately 66.42 million when Telemundo and streaming viewership were included, according to Sportico.
However, the 2030 tournament could face a different audience landscape. Matches played in Spain, Portugal and Morocco will take place across a six-hour time difference with the U.S. East Coast and a nine-hour gap with the West Coast, potentially affecting live viewership.
NBC Sports and CBS Sports are also potential bidders, although corporate restructuring at Comcast and the debt burden facing Paramount’s parent company, Skydance, could influence their strategies.
Streaming platforms are expected to explore the opportunity as well. Netflix