beIN Sports confirms 2026 and 2030 World Cup rights, hits out at Ligue 1+ media pressure | OneFootball

beIN Sports France has secured pay-TV rights to all matches of the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups, Yousef al-Obaidly told staff in an internal email on Wednesday. The president also criticised what he described as cynical media pressure from rival channel Ligue 1+.

According to L'Équipe, 54 of the 104 matches at each tournament will be broadcast free-to-air by M6. The midday report was followed by al-Obaidly’s mid-afternoon message, which reassured employees.

He said FIFA informed beIN on Wednesday morning that it had obtained the pay-TV rights to every game at both editions. He added that the tender illustrated the best of beIN despite campaigns against the company, and that the group respected FIFA’s process while staying patient and determined.

Al-Obaidly referenced a recent galette des rois at the company where he declined to answer staff questions on the subject. He said this was out of respect for partners and the ongoing tender.

He contrasted that stance with competitors, saying a rival sought to sway the process through the media shortly after the internal event. He said beIN prefers to conduct its business with respect, fairness and discretion.

Source: L'Équipe