Netflix has secured the broadcasting rights to the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Spain and Andorra, marking another major move by the streaming platform into live sports. The company announced on Tuesday that it will broadcast all 104 matches of the tournament live in the two territories.
The agreement gives Netflix a significant role in how football fans in Spain and Andorra will watch one of the world’s biggest sporting events. It also strengthens the company’s efforts to expand beyond films and television series by securing major live sports rights.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with three special centenary matches scheduled to take place in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The tournament will commemorate 100 years since the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930.
Despite Netflix’s acquisition of the rights in Spain and Andorra, the agreement includes provisions to maintain free access to some of the competition in Spain. Viewers will be able to watch at least one match per matchday without paying for a Netflix subscription. A nationwide free-to-air television channel will also be permitted to broadcast every match played by Spain, both semi-finals and the final.
These arrangements mean that Netflix will hold the main live broadcasting rights in the two territories while free-to-air television will retain access to several important fixtures. The provisions are particularly relevant for viewers who do not subscribe to streaming services but still want to follow the host nation’s campaign and the tournament’s decisive matches.
Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, said the World Cup has a unique ability to bring people together and leave a lasting mark on national culture. In comments published on Netflix’s official companion website, Tudum, she reflected on watching Spain lift the trophy at the previous tournament and witnessing the emotion and pride surrounding the victory.
“Few events unite people like the World Cup,” Bajaria said, describing the stories and shared experiences surrounding the competition as memories that can remain part of a nation’s culture for generations.
Mattias Grafstrom, secretary general of FIFA, also welcomed the agreement as the governing body prepares for the 2030 tournament.
“We are pleased to build on our partnership with Netflix as we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup 2030,” Grafstrom said.
He added that FIFA and Netflix share an ambition to bring supporters closer to football and allow as many people as possible to experience the excitement of the competition.
The deal represents a further step in Netflix’s expansion into live sports, an area that has become increasingly important as streaming platforms compete for major events and audiences. Securing all 104 matches gives the company a prominent position in the Spanish and Andorran markets during a tournament expected to attract global attention.
For viewers, the agreement will make Netflix a central destination for live World Cup coverage in Spain and Andorra, while the free-to-air provisions in Spain will preserve access to selected matches without a paid subscription. Further details about the viewing arrangements will be important as the tournament approaches.
