FIFA has opened the bidding process for US media rights for the 2030 World Cup. In addition, bidders can secure an option for the 2034 edition.
FIFA announced the process on Thursday. The bid submission deadline is November 19. Moreover, FIFA said it is open to innovative approaches to reach large audiences.
Fox held the exclusive English-language rights in the US for the last three World Cups, including the 2026 edition. Meanwhile, Telemundo held the Spanish-language rights during the same period.
Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup. In addition, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will host matches to mark the tournament’s 100th anniversary. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup.
FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai said FIFA is still evaluating hydration breaks. These breaks were introduced for the 2026 World Cup to help players cope with high temperatures. However, they also created additional advertising windows for broadcasters.
The hydration breaks sparked debate over their impact on the game. For example, some viewers complained about commercials during the three-minute stoppages in each half.
Gai said, “If the average temperature will be higher than the normal average in these countries, we expect to confirm having the hydration break, but not automatically.”
He added, “It is not the final decision because we need to further engage with all stakeholders.”
According to FIFA, the 2026 World Cup averaged 13.5 million viewers per match in the US on linear and streaming platforms. As a result, viewership rose 166% compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Earlier this week, Netflix secured the rights to broadcast the 2030 World Cup in Spain and Andorra.
The Saudi climate will likely force FIFA to hold the 2034 tournament in winter. However, Gai said FIFA has not yet officially discussed the matter. He added that a November-December slot is a clear possibility, but it is not yet confirmed.
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