The French Professional Football League (LFP) is nearing a €20 million agreement to broadcast all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on its direct-to-consumer streaming service, Ligue 1+, according to reports from L’Equipe. The deal, which also includes 54 matches being aired on the free-to-air channel M6, aims to bolster the appeal of the fledgling streaming platform and provide content during the off-season for Ligue 1.
The move comes after a turbulent period for French football broadcasting, following difficulties securing satisfactory domestic broadcast deals. Ligue 1+ launched last summer in the wake of those struggles, and the World Cup rights represent a significant attempt to establish the service in a competitive market. The LFP views comprehensive coverage of the tournament as a way to aid subscriber retention through the summer months, when no Ligue 1 matches are taking place.
However, the pursuit of these rights has not been without controversy. Sources indicate that BeIN Sports, a long-time broadcast partner for FIFA World Cup tournaments in France, views the LFP’s bid and its premature announcement as an attempt to undermine the company and deflect blame should the Ligue 1+ experiment falter. BeIN Sports currently shares broadcast rights with M6, having previously partnered with TF1 for the last three tournaments.
The LFP’s decision to pursue the World Cup rights has coincided with the resignation of the LFP Media chief, adding to the sense of instability surrounding the league’s broadcasting strategy. The situation has led to accusations of “mission creep” and concerns about the allocation of limited financial resources. The LFP’s attempt to secure full broadcast rights for the tournament is seen by some as a departure from its core focus on Ligue 1 football.
Despite the internal turmoil, the LFP is proceeding with the deal, which requires approval from the FIFA Council. The agreement proposes a 4K streaming service with multi-camera options and editorial content tailored for a French audience. Ligue 1+ has already attracted over one million active subscribers, and the addition of the World Cup is intended to accelerate growth and support the championship.
The deal with M6 will witness 54 matches broadcast on the free-to-air channel, including key fixtures, broadening the reach of the tournament to a wider audience. The LFP hopes this dual-platform approach will optimize exposure and maximize viewership. While BeIN Sports has not formally abandoned its interest, the LFP appears confident in securing the rights and delivering comprehensive coverage of the 2026 World Cup on Ligue 1+.
