The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico was the biggest ever, yet many fans around the world still struggled to watch their team. The reason is broadcast rights.
How sports rights work
Tournaments sell exclusive TV rights country by country or region by region. In the US, the English-language rights belong to FOX and the Spanish-language rights to Telemundo. Elsewhere, one broadcaster may hold the rights for a whole region.
Why blackouts happen
- A rights holder decides which matches go on free TV and which are behind a paywall.
- Disputes between broadcasters and cable or satellite companies can remove channels.
- Viewers abroad may be blocked from their home country’s broadcast.
The impact on fans
Expats and travellers are hit hardest: the match is on in one country but unavailable where they live.
What fans can do
- Check the official rights holder in your country before the tournament.
- Make sure your provider carries the channels that hold the rights where you are.
- Use a service with international packages if you follow a team from abroad.
More on sports: how to watch live sports without cable.