FIFA World Cup 2026 Hits Record $8.9bn Revenue Amid Media Rights Value Drop
Expanding the tournament to 48 teams lifted total revenue by 54%, but per-game media rights value fell 19% as broadcast deals contracted, according to Sports Video Group.
AfroEuropa Newsroom
AfroEuropa desk
The 2026 FIFA World Cup generated record total revenue of $8.9bn, a 54% rise over the 2022 tournament held in Qatar, according to analysis published by Sports Video Group (SVG). The outlet reported that the increase was driven primarily by FIFA's expansion of the field from 32 to 48 teams, which raised the number of matches from 64 in 2022 to 104 in 2026 — a 47% increase in match inventory.
According to SVG, the financial gains were uneven across categories. Matchday revenue climbed 220% and commercial revenue rose 18%, or about $300m. Media rights revenue grew 32%, roughly $1bn, but because that growth did not keep pace with the 47% rise in the number of matches, the value per game fell by 19%. SVG noted that broadcasters are paying higher overall fees while receiving less scarcity and lower value per minute of live content.
Keep reading
Overtime and FOX One Team Up on Social-First World Cup Series 'Race to Glory'
The social-first sports-media company produced more than 500 short-form videos across four US cities for a creator-led competition series tied to the 2026 World Cup.
One newsletter, two continents
The Bridge brings you the tech, startups, and leaders moving between Africa and Europe — one sharp email each morning. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
