World Cup U.S. TV rights draw interest from streaming giants

Netflix, Disney and Alphabet’s YouTube are interested in competing with Fox for U.S. media rights to the 2030 and 2034 men’s FIFA World Cups, CNBC reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The talks could reshape how American viewers watch the tournament, with media executives preparing for rights costs of $1.5 billion to $2 billion for each event, according to CNBC.

FIFA is expected to begin formal discussions with potential media partners within the next three months, CNBC reported. Preliminary conversations began earlier this year, and FIFA has told companies that U.S. English- and Spanish-language rights are likely to be offered as one package, according to people familiar with the talks.

That would mark a change from the current arrangement. Fox holds English-language rights for the 2026 tournament, while NBCUniversal’s Telemundo controls Spanish-language rights.

Streamers line up against Fox

CNBC reported that Netflix, Disney and YouTube see the World Cup as a way to strengthen their streaming businesses. Disney could also show matches on ESPN and ABC, which may appeal to FIFA given Fox’s strong ratings for the current tournament, according to CNBC.

Amazon and Apple could also consider bids, CNBC reported. Amazon owns UEFA Champions League rights in the U.K., while Apple holds global rights to Major League Soccer.

FIFA has already done a major soccer deal with Netflix. ESPN reported that Netflix secured rights to the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031.

Spokespeople for FIFA, Netflix, YouTube and Disney declined to comment to CNBC.

Combined package could lift price

Fox paid $485 million for English-language rights to the 2026 World Cup, according to The Athletic, as cited by CNBC. Telemundo paid $600 million for Spanish-language rights, CNBC reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The next U.S. package could cost far more if FIFA combines both language rights. CNBC reported that media executives are planning for bids between $1.5 billion and $2 billion per tournament across languages.

CNBC reported that a single package could also reduce friction between rights holders. Telemundo’s Spanish-language coverage on Peacock has drawn some English-speaking viewers in the U.S., according to CNBC, affecting Fox’s reach for the tournament.

Peacock costs $10.99 per month, while Fox One costs $19.99 per month, CNBC reported. CNBC also noted that Telemundo used actor Owen Wilson as a spokesperson for Spanish-language World Cup coverage, a move that blurred audience lines for bilingual U.S. viewers.

If FIFA sells one combined package, NBCUniversal is not expected to bid near $2 billion, CNBC reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Comcast said last month it plans to spin out NBCUniversal, and CNBC reported that NBCU already pays billions per year for NFL “Sunday Night Football” and NBA basketball. An NBC spokesperson declined to comment to CNBC.

Ratings help offset time-zone concerns

The 2030 and 2034 tournaments are scheduled for less favorable U.S. viewing hours than the 2026 World Cup, which is being held in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. CNBC reported that the 2030 event will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain, while the 2034 World Cup will be in Saudi Arabia.

Even with those time-zone challenges, recent audiences have strengthened FIFA’s position. Fox Sports said the U.S. win over Bosnia and Herzegovina averaged more than 26 million viewers, the largest English-language soccer telecast in history, CNBC reported. Another 9.8 million watched on Telemundo or Peacock.

CNBC reported that AdImpact estimated combined English- and Spanish-language audiences of 47.9 million for the U.S.-Belgium match. Fox also drew more than 11 million viewers for Portugal vs. Croatia, the largest U.S. audience for a non-final World Cup match not involving the U.S. team, according to CNBC.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.