2026 World Cup: 70 matches at risk of not being broadcast to 19 African countries

Less than a week before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, viewers in 19 sub-Saharan African countries risk being able to follow only 34 of the 104 matches in the tournament. Togolese broadcaster New World TV, which holds broadcasting rights for the region, finds itself in a critical financial situation that threatens coverage of the remaining 70 matches.

New World TV acquired the World Cup broadcasting rights from FIFA for Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Niger, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Chad and Togo. Its contract requires it to sub-license 34 matches free-to-air on national channels, at a rate of one match per day. Paid broadcast of the remaining 70 matches remains highly uncertain.

According to Sport News Africa, the Paris studio of the broadcaster based in Lomé closed its doors following non-payment of invoices estimated at 200,000 euros to its service providers. Production of Ligue des Champions programmes was halted in France and urgently relocated to Lomé to cut costs. Journalists under exclusive contract have reportedly filed lawsuits against New World TV for breach of contract and non-payment of salaries.

The logistical situation makes matters worse: a week before the tournament begins, the presenters, journalists and analysts supposed to commentate on matches from the United States have not yet boarded their flights. Teams from French technical provider PGS have begun their visa procedures on schedule, unlike journalists based in Togo.

Meanwhile, French viewers will benefit from 54 free-to-air matches on M6, while the entire competition will be accessible on pay channels. The gap in coverage between the two continents could not be more striking.