The 2026 FIFA World Cup demonstrated the enormous global demand surrounding football’s biggest international tournament.
The expanded competition featured 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Spain eventually defeated Argentina 1–0 after extra time in the final.
Media rights generated $3.8BN as broadcasters competed for access to the expanded tournament.
Digital platforms also played an increasingly important role in delivering matches and supporting coverage worldwide.
Attention has now turned towards the 2030 tournament and another significant development in football broadcasting.
According to The Sun, Netflix has secured rights to broadcast the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Spain and Andorra.
The agreement marks the streaming service’s first broadcasting deal for the men’s competition. Netflix will show all 104 matches to audiences across both markets.
The agreement will also make one fixture per matchday available free in Spain. A national free-to-air broadcaster will receive another package of matches.
That package will include every Spain fixture, both semi-finals and the World Cup final. Netflix already holds exclusive global broadcasting rights for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups.
Its latest agreement represents another major expansion into international football. The 2030 World Cup will primarily take place across Spain, Morocco and Portugal.
Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina will also stage matches to commemorate the tournament’s 100th anniversary.
Spain will enter the tournament as reigning world champions following their 2026 triumph over Argentina.
The United Kingdom will retain a different broadcasting arrangement. Government protections require terrestrial television coverage of the tournament.
BBC and ITV secured the UK rights to the 2030 competition in 2024. Netflix’s agreement therefore specifically strengthens its football broadcasting presence in Spain and Andorra.
The deal represents another significant step for Netflix in live sport as the platform expands its relationship with FIFA.
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