TF1 will not broadcast any matches from the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. Announced two weeks ago, this thunderbolt was explained by the group's deputy general manager for business and sports, François Pellissier.
The announcement had its small effect two weeks ago, when several media revealed the incredible: TF1 will not broadcast any matches from the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. Judging the amount to be put on the table too high, during the call for tenders organized to obtain the broadcasting rights for the two World Cups in question, the leading French channel therefore chose to pass his turn and leave the field open to his competitor, M6. As is, TF1 will therefore not offer any meetings to its viewers. His deputy general director for business and sports explained this.
In an interview given this Friday to The Team, François Pellissier wanted to see things in a positive way. For TF1broadcaster of the World Cup since 1978, this abandonment of rights is not “ not a loss » indicated the leader who added that “ sport is not vital » for the channel. Explaining that “ taking on a certain loss on a one-off event that lasts a month made no sense “, the man confirmed that his group's offer, ultimately not sufficient, had been made ” informed » and that he “ expected ” And ” was also prepared » to his failure.
Too much risk
Too many risks to take for too many unknowns, this is perhaps the main reason for the extreme caution of TF1. François Pellissier notably mentioned “ the sporting hazard – first that of qualification then the possible course of the Blues – which we perhaps tended to forget “. The schedules and programming of the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada, are other parameters that were taken into account, with matches often broadcast in the middle of the night, due to the time difference. A third criterion raised eyebrows TF1 according to the manager: “ From 2026, there will be more matches with slightly weaker teams. Will they be interesting enough, well programmed? »
For now, it is M6 which has won the day. But TF1 could he make a sublicensing proposal to recover some meetings? François Pellissier left a small door open. “ I don't know how to predict the future. But I would be quite surprised if an agreement that was not reached yesterday could be found tomorrow, especially with financial conditions that do not correspond to what we want to do. »
