The 2026 World Cup scandal: M6 seizes the rights right under the nose of TF1, here are the details!

Change of course on the broadcast of the 2026 World Cup

According to revelations from certain media specializing in sports, the M6 ​​group has managed to obtain exclusivity for the unencrypted broadcast of all the matches of the 2026 Football World Cup. A hard blow for TF1 which, although having submitted a proposal for these same rights, did not go so far as to outbid when confronted with the superior offer from its competitor.

A well-preserved secret revealed with amazement

The entire audiovisual sector was shaken by this surprising announcement, which remained secret for some time. TF1 employees only became aware of this setback recently. Despite a clear interest in hosting the 23rd edition of the biggest football tournament on its airwaves, TF1 did not wish to venture into a risky financial auction given the stakes proposed by M6, considered too substantial.

The figures behind the withdrawal of TF1

The historic channel TF1, which nevertheless retains the exclusivity of several international football competitions, including some of the most beautiful posters for Euro 2028, was beaten by an offer considered “very high” from M6. The latter would have exceeded the amounts committed during previous editions of the World Cup, probably exceeding 130 million euros.

An event resized for 2026

The 2026 edition will differ significantly from previous editions by expanding the number of participants, increasing to 48 teams. With a total of 104 matches scheduled from June 11 to July 19, the final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New York and promises to be a memorable event.

Host cities and FIFA predictions

• UNITED STATES : Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and New York
• Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey
• Canada: Toronto and Vancouver

Gianni Infantino, head of FIFA, shared his vision for this major event, envisioning more than “6 million supporters” and a global audience estimated at “6 billion viewers”. Attention will be focused on the fan experience, which is promised to be exceptional.

This acquisition of broadcasting rights by M6 represents an upheaval in the French media landscape regarding the treatment of major sporting events. Not only does it demonstrate increased competition between audiovisual groups, but also reaffirms the importance of strategic decisions linked to investments in sports broadcasting rights.