Ligue 1+ is reportedly close to sealing a €20 million agreement to stream the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup in France, with the move aimed at boosting subscriptions and limiting customer drop-off.
The French Professional Football League (LFP) plans to show all 104 matches live on its direct-to-consumer platform.
Launched last summer after the LFP failed to land a favourable domestic TV deal, Ligue 1+ would broadcast 54 games exclusively, while the remaining 50 matches would be shared with free-to-air broadcaster M6, which already holds World Cup rights through FIFA.
BeIN Sports could still intervene
Before talks advanced, BeIN Sports had been widely tipped to pursue the leftover fixtures, having partnered with TF1 for the past three World Cups. However, the LFP identified an opportunity to strengthen Ligue 1+ by securing a major global tournament, particularly during the summer period when Ligue 1 is off-season, helping to keep subscribers engaged.
As stated by Sports Pro, French outlet L’Equipe reports that all Ligue 1 clubs have approved the proposal, though final clearance from the FIFA Council is still required. The report adds that BeIN Sports, given its close relationship with FIFA and Paris Saint-Germain, could yet attempt a late intervention.
📺⚽ #DroitsTV
Le mondial 2026 sur Ligue 1+, ça sent bon !Le conseil d’administration de la LFP a validé l'offre (20M€) de Nicolas de Tavernost et des équipes de la plateforme Ligue1+ pour obtenir la diffusion intégrale de la Coupe du monde 2026 en parallèle du groupe M6.… pic.twitter.com/4cshYw7A7C
— Monascope7 🗞️ (@Monascope7) January 29, 2026
Deal marks shift French broadcasting
If finalised, the deal would mark a major step forward for Ligue 1+, which is still finding its footing in a challenging French broadcast market after several failed rights negotiations. While the platform has made a steady start with over one million active subscribers, it has yet to deliver a breakout moment.
Securing the FIFA World Cup could provide exactly that. The tournament would act as a powerful incentive for fans to sign up and remain subscribed through the summer, reducing short-term cancellations that often turn permanent. In the longer term, it could also position Ligue 1+ as a broader football streaming destination, helping grow its audience and commercial potential.
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