Plot twist on French screens: an agreement has been reached for Ligue 1+ to broadcast the entirety of the 2026 World Cup, that is 104 matches of football scheduled between June 11 and July 19, with M6 co-broadcasting on 54 matches. The agreement, valued around 20 million euros, must nevertheless be approved by FIFA. Meanwhile, beIN Sports has submitted a higher offer, reigniting the TV rights battle in France. The stakes are national: to make the competition accessible, capture audiences, and establish Ligue 1+ beyond the domestic championship alone. Fans are already eager to follow their national team, supported by qualification campaigns contested on all continents. The schedule is tight: the initial deadline was set for January 31, and the final verdict is expected in February. For the LFP, the operation looks like a strategic conquest; for beIN, it is a new battle in a case where history weighs heavily. One simple question remains: who will ultimately hold the image rights of the biggest sporting event worldwide in 2026?
TV: Ligue 1+ wins the 2026 World Cup — stakes, schedule, and outlines of the agreement
The announced agreement provides for the broadcast on Ligue 1+ of the 104 matches of the World Cup, with M6 co-broadcasting on 54 matches. It covers the French market and extends to all phases, from the opening to the final. The formal approval of FIFA is still awaited, an essential step before any massive commercial communication.
The financial proposal amounts to around €20 million, a sum considered aggressive for an actor focused on Ligue 1. The platform’s argument: to occupy the off-season, avoid subscription drop-offs, and attract a wider audience. Technically, the promise relies on 100% streaming complemented by free-to-air windows via M6.
2026 World Cup on Ligue 1+: what the deal actually covers
The scope includes the full broadcast of the expanded format with 48 teams and 104 matches. The major matches would be secured in co-broadcast to maximize free-to-air audience. Fans would thus follow, live, the journeys of the national teams from the group stage.
Technically, the platform promises a ramp-up: 4K streams when available, dynamic multiplexes, and advanced statistics. Special care must be taken for moderation, multilingual commentary, and accessibility. Success will depend on a smooth experience on peak evenings.
2026 World Cup TV rights: beIN Sports’ counter-offer changes the game
According to several consistent sources, beIN Sports submitted, before the end of January, a much higher proposal than that of Ligue 1+. The Qatari group relies on its track record: full broadcast during previous editions and editorial expertise on major FIFA competitions.
FIFA has not yet countersigned the agreement submitted by the LFP. Some observers see this as a negotiation strategy. Others point to scheduling constraints and the need for an overall legal green light. The suspense remains, but the commercial competition is at its peak.
Role of FIFA and decision schedule
The procedure is defined: receipt of the contract, review of conditions, then validation by the authorities. The deadline set for January 31 served as a reference point. The verdict is now expected in February, time to finalize the last arbitrations.
FIFA ensures balance between free-to-air coverage and pay broadcasting. It also seeks the best exposure for the competition in a strategic market. Every day counts, as editorial, marketing, and technical plans must be launched without delay.
Behind the scenes, production teams pre-book studios, voices, and advertising slots. The machinery is set up in advance to avoid losing time after signing. The tight schedule dictates the choices.
Impact for football fans and Ligue 1: access, audiences, and usage
For supporters, the promise is clear: see everything, everywhere, at any time. Free-to-air, 54 matches on M6. Streaming, 104 matches on Ligue 1+, with replays and multi-angle options if certified. This setup fits hybrid habits between linear TV and OTT.
For the LFP, attracting traffic is vital during the off-season. The platform keeps subscribers and attracts new ones, riding on the momentum of Ligue 1. Advertisers see rare premium inventory in mid-summer, just before domestic season restart.
Subscription, accessibility, and user experience
The process must remain simple, to avoid frustration during peak audience times. Authentication, TV casting, and bandwidth will be scrutinized. The free matches will help households without subscriptions to follow the sporting event as a family.
A telling example: Camille, a subscriber for five years, switches from her mobile to the big screen in one click during a national team showdown. This continuity of use conditions adoption.
Context and benchmarks: from history to specifics of the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 format expands to 48 teams, increasing the number of matches to 104. The group phase expands in scope, as do time slots spread across several time zones. It is a major editorial challenge to coordinate studios, talents, and visual design.
In France, major world competitions have always alternated between free and pay TV. The logic remains the same: offer maximum exposure to the major clashes while funding comprehensive coverage. The rights balance shapes the experience of each viewer.
Possible scenarios and economic consequences
Two outcomes dominate: validation of the Ligue 1+/FIFA agreement with M6 co-broadcast, or a switch to beIN Sports if its higher offer wins. Each scenario entails different effects on audiences, advertising, and product innovation.
| Scenario | Estimated Cost | Broadcast | Risks | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1+ approved, M6 co-broadcasts 54 matches | ~€20 million | 104 matches on OTT, 54 free-to-air | Technical ramp-up, monetization to prove | Subscriber acquisition, increased visibility of Ligue 1 |
| beIN Sports wins | Higher offer (not disclosed) | Full pay-TV coverage, free-to-air deals to be confirmed | Late negotiations with partners, tight schedule | Editorial expertise, channel stability |
For advertisers, the arbitration will be between massive free inventory and premium targeting on OTT. Value will depend on average time spent and match completion rates.
What to watch for before the final decision
Three markers will guide the coming days: FIFA’s countersignature, the exact configuration of free-to-air matches, and the editorial schedule. Technical teams are already refining network stress tests and on-air design.
Supporters are watching the draw, schedules, and the first focuses on trajectories from the qualifiers. Commercial communication will start as soon as the signature is official. Everyone is in active waiting mode.
Will Ligue 1+ indeed broadcast all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup?
An agreement has been reached for full broadcast on Ligue 1+, with 54 matches co-broadcast on M6. FIFA must still definitively approve the contract before implementation.
What is the amount of Ligue 1+’s offer and why is it considered strategic?
The offer is around €20 million. It would allow occupying the off-season, retaining subscribers, and expanding the audience beyond Ligue 1 thanks to a global sporting event.
What about beIN Sports’ counter-offer?
beIN Sports has submitted a higher financial proposal. FIFA is currently arbitrating, with a decision expected in February.
Will the matches be available free-to-air?
Yes, 54 matches are planned free-to-air on M6. The rest will be accessible on the LFP OTT platform, subject to final approval.
What technical improvements are planned for the broadcast?
Generalized HD broadcast, 4K depending on availability, fast replays, live statistics, and attention to accessibility (subtitles, audio description). The goal is a smooth experience on TV and mobile.
- Availability: app on connected TVs, mobiles, operator boxes, web.
- Quality: guaranteed 1080p, 4K if streams and networks allow.
- Coverage: 100% of matches, fast replays, vertical summaries.
- Accessibility: subtitles, audio description, choice of commentary.
- Editorial: pre-match shows, tactical debriefings, enriched live stats.
A telling example: Camille, a subscriber for five years, switches from her mobile to the big screen in one click during a national team showdown. This continuity of use conditions adoption.
Context and benchmarks: from history to specifics of the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 format expands to 48 teams, increasing the number of matches to 104. The group phase expands in scope, as do time slots spread across several time zones. It is a major editorial challenge to coordinate studios, talents, and visual design.
In France, major world competitions have always alternated between free and pay TV. The logic remains the same: offer maximum exposure to the major clashes while funding comprehensive coverage. The rights balance shapes the experience of each viewer.
Possible scenarios and economic consequences
Two outcomes dominate: validation of the Ligue 1+/FIFA agreement with M6 co-broadcast, or a switch to beIN Sports if its higher offer wins. Each scenario entails different effects on audiences, advertising, and product innovation.
| Scenario | Estimated Cost | Broadcast | Risks | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1+ approved, M6 co-broadcasts 54 matches | ~€20 million | 104 matches on OTT, 54 free-to-air | Technical ramp-up, monetization to prove | Subscriber acquisition, increased visibility of Ligue 1 |
| beIN Sports wins | Higher offer (not disclosed) | Full pay-TV coverage, free-to-air deals to be confirmed | Late negotiations with partners, tight schedule | Editorial expertise, channel stability |
For advertisers, the arbitration will be between massive free inventory and premium targeting on OTT. Value will depend on average time spent and match completion rates.
What to watch for before the final decision
Three markers will guide the coming days: FIFA’s countersignature, the exact configuration of free-to-air matches, and the editorial schedule. Technical teams are already refining network stress tests and on-air design.
Supporters are watching the draw, schedules, and the first focuses on trajectories from the qualifiers. Commercial communication will start as soon as the signature is official. Everyone is in active waiting mode.
Will Ligue 1+ indeed broadcast all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup?
An agreement has been reached for full broadcast on Ligue 1+, with 54 matches co-broadcast on M6. FIFA must still definitively approve the contract before implementation.
What is the amount of Ligue 1+’s offer and why is it considered strategic?
The offer is around €20 million. It would allow occupying the off-season, retaining subscribers, and expanding the audience beyond Ligue 1 thanks to a global sporting event.
What about beIN Sports’ counter-offer?
beIN Sports has submitted a higher financial proposal. FIFA is currently arbitrating, with a decision expected in February.
Will the matches be available free-to-air?
Yes, 54 matches are planned free-to-air on M6. The rest will be accessible on the LFP OTT platform, subject to final approval.
What technical improvements are planned for the broadcast?
Generalized HD broadcast, 4K depending on availability, fast replays, live statistics, and attention to accessibility (subtitles, audio description). The goal is a smooth experience on TV and mobile.