Netflix secures exclusive Spain rights for 2030 World Cup in landmark streaming deal

Netflix has secured exclusive broadcast rights in Spain for the 2030 World Cup, signing the agreement on Tuesday in what represents the streaming giant’s first major contract for a men’s tournament. The deal covers all 104 matches of the expanded 48-team competition, which Spain co-hosts alongside Portugal and Morocco.

As part of the arrangement, one match per matchday will be made available free-to-air in Spain, with a national public broadcaster also receiving a package that includes every Spain match, both semifinals, and the final. The financial terms were not disclosed, though Spanish rights for the 104-game 2026 edition in North America were reportedly acquired by public broadcaster RTVE for 55 million euros ($61.6 million).

The deal extends Netflix’s growing relationship with FIFA. In 2024, the platform secured US rights to the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031, but the 2030 agreement marks its first significant foothold in the men’s game.

The 2030 tournament carries added significance as a centenary edition. FIFA is marking the anniversary by staging three opening matches in South America — one each in original 1930 host Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay — before the main competition moves to southern Europe and north Africa.

FIFA typically prioritises public broadcasters for World Cup rights to maximise audiences, making the Netflix deal notable for its departure from that model, albeit with the free-to-air safeguard built in.

Spain and Morocco are both competing to host the final, a decision that has become entangled in political manoeuvring at the highest levels. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has close ties to Moroccan football, has denied any arrangement favouring the African nation. The final will be held either at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu or the 115,000-capacity King Hassan II Stadium under construction near Casablanca.

As defending champions, Spain will be among the most-watched sides at the tournament. The team claimed their second World Cup title in July, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time, 20 years on from their first triumph in South Africa in 2010.