China Media Group said it has struck a FIFA broadcasting deal covering four World Cup tournaments, ending a rights standoff less than a month before the 2026 men’s World Cup begins in the US, Mexico and Canada. The package includes men’s events in 2026 and 2030 and Women’s World Cups in 2027 and 2031, with exclusive media and sub-licensing rights in mainland China. It spans free-to-air and paid TV plus online and mobile distribution, but financial terms remain undisclosed.
FIFA has unveiled the official song for the 2026 World Cup, “Dai Dai,” created by Shakira and Nigerian star Burna Boy. FIFA described the track as a high-energy celebration blending global sounds with football, culture, and unity. The song is available on major streaming platforms, and FIFA says royalties will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. FIFA also confirmed a star-studded final halftime show on July 19 in New Jersey headlined by Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, as the US, Canada, and Mexico host the tournament.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
Iran’s football federation chief Mehdi Taj says the team has received no US visas for the 2026 World Cup so far. Players are expected to travel for fingerprinting, but Iran is waiting on FIFA guarantees about the visa process. The squad is scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt across US cities including Los Angeles, leaving their participation in limbo.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams, with Gianni Infantino arguing it boosts global representation and makes the event more of a shared “social” spectacle. Supporters see opportunities for debutants like Curacao and Jordan, while critics worry the extra spots reduce stakes and make it easier for teams to reach the knockouts.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be co hosted across multiple countries, marking only the second time the tournament has taken this approach. The 2002 World Cup was the previous example, jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan, with South Korea delivering the opening ceremony. Details now point to an even bigger, multi venue spectacle for 2026.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to be the most data-intensive tournament ever, powered by AI, real-time analytics, and edge computing. That surge in data and digital infrastructure demand could translate into stronger sentiment and valuation support for chipmakers and data centre REITs, highlighting a growing overlap between global sport and financial markets.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
FIFA is struggling to sell 2026 World Cup media rights in India as expected deal values come in far below early projections. Experts say broadcasters are wary after overspending on cricket and facing a weaker advertising environment. With demand softening, FIFA may have to scale down its expectations to align with a subdued local market.
Donald Trump said he would not pay over $1,000 for a World Cup ticket, warning that such high prices could keep many Americans from attending. He argued that his supporters should still be able to go. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the pricing as requests for the 2026 tournament surge far beyond past editions.
FIFA says it has signed broadcaster agreements across more than 175 territories for World Cup 2026, but India and China remain problematic for viewers. The gap raises questions about how rights deals will be finalized and delivered in the two most populous markets, where demand is enormous and negotiation timelines can make or break telecasts.
FIFA is reportedly facing a major World Cup broadcast rights crunch across India and China. In India, negotiations with Reliance over a $20 million offer have not been finalized. In China, authorities still haven’t announced their position. With the tournament start close, fans fear they may miss live matches or face limited coverage.
Reading on mobile?
Open Beige in the app for a smoother experience — free on iOS and Android.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed Iran will participate in the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup and play fixtures in the United States, even amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US. Speaking on the matter, Infantino framed it as his responsibility to “bring people together.” Iran has qualified and is set for Group G.
Iran’s expected involvement in the FIFA World Cup 2026 is now clouded by fresh US remarks. Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to potential security and entry problems, intensifying uncertainty. The situation follows earlier discussions by US special envoy Paolo Zampolli, leaving fans wondering whether Iran can realistically participate under current constraints.
FIFA says it will release additional World Cup tickets starting 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday for all 104 matches, covering Categories 1, 2, 3 and newly introduced pricing tiers. The move comes after fan anger over added, more expensive categories, with FIFA attempting to widen access while keeping the new premium structure in place.
Iran’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US remains uncertain. Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the final call will depend on evolving security and political conditions amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran. With FIFA preparations underway, Iran’s stance adds uncertainty to the tournament’s confirmed line-up while diplomatic risks persist.
Follow your favourite sources
Track sources, tags and categories — all in the Beige app.
FIFA is finding it tough to sell India media rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups, forcing it to cut its asking price to $35 million. The reduction reflects a slowdown in sports broadcasting and limited interest from potential buyers. JioStar, the current rights holder, is viewed as the closest contender as FIFA continues to shop for deals.
FIFA has selected New Delhi from among 12 countries for its Women’s Development Programme, running May to October 2026. The All India Football Federation’s application was chosen as part of an effort to help clubs build sustainable growth through commercial strategies and structured development. The move is designed to prepare Indian clubs for upcoming club licensing requirements.
Competitive sport is facing a jolt as a US envoy reportedly urged FIFA to replace Iran with Italy for the upcoming World Cup. The controversial suggestion, framed around Italy’s football pedigree and heritage, shifts attention from on-field performance to subjective criteria. FIFA and fans are left questioning whether such replacements undermine fair competition.
A top US lawmaker, Sen. Chuck Schumer, has demanded FIFA pay World Cup public transportation costs after a report said New Jersey Transit may raise prices sharply. The Athletic reported fans could be charged over $100 for tickets traveling from Manhattan’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium during the tournament, prompting Schumer’s call for FIFA to step in.
Stay informed on the go
Bite-sized news from 100+ trusted sources, right in your pocket.
FIFA has reopened last-minute ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, releasing tickets for all 104 matches about 50 days before kickoff. More than five million tickets have already been sold, with additional batches planned until the final. The move comes amid criticism of high prices, but FIFA insists it uses variable pricing—not dynamic pricing—to manage costs.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.