DAZN and Italian public broadcaster Rai are in the final stages of negotiations to secure the domestic media rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to reports on February 12, 2026. The deal comes at a high-stakes moment for Italian football, as the national team’s participation in the tournament remains uncertain.
The Proposed Rights Structure
While final contracts are expected by the end of February, the anticipated split reflects a balance between pay-TV and free-to-air (FTA) accessibility:
- DAZN: Expected to hold the rights to all 104 matches of the expanded tournament across its digital platform. This follows DAZN’s recent acquisition of World Cup rights in Spain and Japan.
- Rai: Likely to secure a “premium” FTA package, including all Italy fixtures (should they qualify), the opening match, semi-finals, and the final.
The “Playoff Gamble”
Whichever broadcaster finalizes the deal will be taking a significant commercial risk. Italy—who missed the 2018 and 2022 editions—must navigate a difficult playoff path in late March to book their ticket to North America.
Italy’s Road to the World Cup:
- Semi-Final: Italy vs. Northern Ireland (March 26, 2026, in Bergamo).
- Potential Final: If they win, Italy will face the winner of Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31, 2026.
If the Azzurri fail to qualify for a third consecutive time, the commercial value of the rights—specifically regarding advertising revenue and viewership peaks—is expected to drop significantly.
Strategic Context: DAZN’s Growing Influence
For DAZN, this deal cements its position as the “Home of Football” in Italy, where it already holds the primary rights to Serie A through 2029. By adding the World Cup, DAZN aims to reduce churn and maintain its subscriber base through the summer months.