NETFLIX WINS RIGHTS TO STREAM 2030 WORLD CUP IN SPAIN

Netflix has secured the broadcasting rights for the 2030 World Cup in Spain and Andorra, marking the first time the subscription streaming platform has shown the men's World Cup. The company said it will offer all 104 matches of the tournament live to subscribers. Netflix confirmed that one match per match-day will be available to watch for free in Spain, alongside all of Spain's own fixtures and the final, which will remain on free-to-air television. Spain, the reigning champions, will co-host the 2030 tournament together with Portugal and Morocco. Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will also stage matches as part of celebrations marking the competition's centenary.

Netflix has built a presence in live sport in recent years, having broadcast WWE Wrestling and NFL matches in the UK, as well as boxing events. The platform is also set to broadcast the all-British heavyweight contest between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in December. Beyond the men's tournament, Netflix separately holds the broadcasting rights to the 2027 and 2031 editions of the women's World Cup, which will be held in the United States and Canada. The deal extends the streaming service's growing footprint in major global sporting events.

The arrangement signals a shift in how major football tournaments are distributed to audiences, with a subscription streaming platform taking on rights previously associated with traditional broadcasters. Netflix's statement did not specify financial terms of the agreement. The free-to-air provisions in Spain mean domestic viewers will retain access to key matches without a subscription, even as the bulk of coverage moves to the streaming platform. Further details on broadcasting arrangements in other host nations, including Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, were not included in Netflix's statement.