M6 Group has outbid TF1 in acquiring the free-to-air rights in France to the 2026 football World Cup which takes place in Mexico, USA and Canada – as well as the 2030 World Cup being held across two continents. The deal represents a significant evolution for Nicolas de Tavernost’s group which hasn’t broadcast any World Cup football match since 2006.

M6 has won the FIFA call for bids, reportedly paying more than the €130 million that the rights to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar cost, although a final price wasn’t confirmed.

“We have scored the rights to broadcast two World Cups in free access on M6,” confirmed de Tavernos. “Our main competitor has refused to continue sharing the matches, it’s the reason why we opted to grab for the first time ever the whole FTA exclusivity of the next two World Cups.”

In 2022, TF1 broadcast the 28 best matches of the football tournament out of a total of 64 matches in France, generating seven of the country’s best audiences of the year. The World Cup was also retransmitted on pay-TV channel beIN Sports.

TF1 still holds the exclusive rights for the French football national team until 2028, and will be able to broadcast Les Bleus matches throughout various competitions. Regarding the 2026 World Cup, co-licence deals are still possible.