CazéTV siphons up to 20% of Globo's World Cup audience amid Galvão Bueno’s surgery concerns

CazéTV, a digital streaming channel owned by the Livemode platform and Casimiro Miguel, secured exclusive rights to 52 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Data from Folha de S. Paulo shows that when CazéTV broadcast matches in the Greater São Paulo area, Globo’s open‑air audience fell up to 20 percent, losing roughly 199 000 viewers per rating point. The channel also reached 9‑10 million devices for high‑profile games such as the Holland‑Morocco round‑of‑16.

Globo, SBT, Sportv, GE TV and N Sports split the remaining rights, with Globo airing five knockout‑stage matches and SBT covering four. The competition over viewership is influencing future negotiations for the 2030 World Cup broadcast contracts.

Separately, veteran commentator Galvão Bueno, who leads SBT’s World Cup coverage, disclosed that he underwent a five‑hour spinal surgery in May, receiving eight titanium screws. He admitted fear of missing the tournament but confirmed he will continue his role, noting the commercial importance of his presence. Bueno previously rejected a CazéTV offer, citing a non‑compete clause with Globo, and has said the 2026 edition will be his final World Cup as a play‑by‑play announcer.