For the first time in its history, TF1 will not broadcast any matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The M6 Group has confirmed that it will retain exclusive rights to the 54 most attractive matches, leaving TF1 without any games to broadcast.
M6 locks down TV rights
David LarramendyThe president of the M6 group specified that his group will broadcast all selected matches free-to-air, including in particular the matches of the French national team led by Didier DeschampsFrench viewers will be able to watch these matches on the M6 group's channels and their digital platforms. The absence of a sub-license for TF1 marks an unprecedented change in the French audiovisual landscape.
The 2026 World Cup will take place with 48 teams and 104 matches in totalM6 acquired the 54 posters deemed most attractive. The decision not to offer a sub-license to TF1 surprised many observers, as the long-established channel was traditionally associated with broadcasting major international football competitions.
TF1 is focusing on other sports content
On the side of TF1The channel chose not to outbid M6, whose bid for the rights to the 54 matches would amount to nearly 120 millionTF1 prioritizes other sports agreements, such as matches of the French national team (excluding the World Cup) or the Nations League, and is counting on broadcasting events like the Women's Euro 2025 to maintain its presence in sports.
What about the remaining matches?
The 50 matches not owned by M6 could be broadcast on a paid platform, such as Bein Sportswhich has already covered a significant portion of the competition in previous editions. Viewers will therefore need to follow the competition on several channels and services to ensure they don't miss anything from this unprecedented edition of the World Cup.
