By: Odeh Favour
Streaming giant, Netflix, has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Spain and Andorra, marking another major step in its expansion into live sports broadcasting.
The company disclosed this development in a blog post on Tuesday, announcing ambitious plans to broadcast all 104 matches of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Morocco, and Portugal.
As part of its comprehensive coverage, Netflix disclosed that it would provide pre-match, half-time, and post-match programming tailored specifically to Spanish audiences, alongside live broadcasts of all games.
The streaming platform also plans to make one match available free of charge on each matchday in Spain, while matches involving the Spanish national team, as well as both semi-finals and the final, will be broadcast free-to-air.
Reacting to the deal, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, stated that the partnership with FIFA reflects the company’s commitment to connecting with global audiences through landmark sporting events.
“Few events unite people like the World Cup. I was in the stands this year as Spain lifted the trophy and witnessed the passion, the pride, the stories – they all become part of a nation’s culture and are remembered for generations,” Bajaria stated.
He added, “With Spain set to host in 2030, we’re thrilled to bring every match to fans across Spain and Andorra on Netflix. For Spanish football fans, welcoming the world as reigning champions on Netflix will make this a moment unlike any other.”
Highlighting the growing scope of the partnership, Bajaria noted, “And our expanding partnership with FIFA, including the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 for the U.S. and Canada, reflects our continued commitment to bringing fans closer to the world’s biggest sports moments.”
Also reacting, FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, welcomed the landmark agreement and expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to broaden access to the global showpiece.
“We are pleased to build on our partnership with Netflix as we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup 2030. This will be a special edition of the tournament, and we look forward to working together to bring it to fans across Spain and Andorra. Our shared ambition is to bring fans closer to the game and enable as many people as possible to share in the excitement of the competition,” Grafström said.
The agreement further strengthens Netflix’s expanding footprint in live sports, having previously secured broadcasting rights for the 2027 and 2031 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In addition to football, Netflix has ventured into combat sports, recently securing exclusive global broadcasting rights for the highly anticipated December 11 heavyweight boxing clash between British boxers Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
