FIFA opens media rights bidding for 2030 and 2034 World Cups in the U.S

FIFA has launched an open competitive bidding process for media rights to the 2030 and 2034 Men’s World Cups in the United States and Puerto Rico. This marks the first open tender for U.S. rights since 2011. Potential bidders, including traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms, can bid on the 2030 tournament alone or submit multi-cycle packages that include the 2034 edition in Saudi Arabia.

Proposals are due by November 19, 2026, with FIFA aiming to award rights by the end of that year. The governing body is considering innovative approaches to reach audiences and may favor a single partner for both English and Spanish-language rights, though it remains open to separate deals or joint bids.

A significant variable in the bidding process is the potential scheduling shift for the 2034 tournament. To avoid extreme heat, FIFA is evaluating moving the event from its traditional summer slot to an autumn or winter window. However, this presents logistical challenges, including an overlap with Ramadan in late 2034 and increased competition with major U.S. sports leagues like the NFL and NBA.