FIFA opens U.S. bidding for 2030 World Cup media rights, with 2034 option
Broadcasters and streaming services can bid for U.S. and Puerto Rico rights to the 2030 men’s tournament, with an option to acquire 2034 rights.
FIFA opened bidding on October 22, 2026, for U.S. and Puerto Rico media rights to the 2030 men’s World Cup, giving broadcasters and streaming services a chance to compete for the tournament’s next American television deal. Bidders can also seek rights to the 2034 tournament as an option.
Bids are due November 19, CNBC reported. FIFA aims to choose its next U.S. media partner before the end of 2026, according to FIFA chief business officer Romy Gai’s comments to CNBC. The rights price has not been set publicly; Gai said it was too early to gauge a realistic figure.
How FIFA could divide the U.S. rights
FIFA is considering separate deals for traditional television and streaming, packages combining both, a single buyer or joint bids, Gai told Variety. It prefers English- and Spanish-language coverage under one arrangement, though he said that is not a requirement. Those choices leave room for companies with different distribution plans to compete.
FIFA said it would assess bidders on their ability to provide broad, high-quality coverage across the United States and Puerto Rico, reach large audiences through new ways to watch and generate revenue for football, according to Variety. If a streaming service wins, FIFA intends to make some matches available free, either through sublicensing or a free service tier, CNBC reported.
The tournaments and the decision timetable
Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host the 2030 World Cup, with three centenary matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay marking 100 years since the first tournament. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 edition. The optional second tournament therefore extends the potential U.S. deal across two World Cups staged in different regions.
Where matches fall in the U.S. viewing day may matter to bidders. Gai told CNBC he expected matches at suitable U.S. times every day and acknowledged that time zones could affect bidding, though he expected less impact than some might assume. The tournament schedule and eventual bids will determine how that concern plays out.
After the November 19 deadline, FIFA plans to meet media companies in the United States around Thanksgiving, CNBC reported. It could then narrow the field and request another bid or choose a winner. Variety reported that FIFA has not offered these U.S. rights for competitive bidding in about 15 years, making this the first such contest in that period.
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Sources and context
- FIFA Opens Up Bidding for U.S. Rights to 2030 World CupThe Hollywood Reporter
- FIFA Opens Bids for 2030 World Cup U.S. Media Rights — With Option For 2034Variety
- FIFA launches tender of 2030 men's World Cup U.S. media rights, plans to choose winner by end of yearCNBC
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.