ISLAMABAD (PEN) : China Media Group (CMG) released its integrated media coverage plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at an event in Beijing on Sunday, outlining a cross-platform broadcasting and reporting strategy for Chinese audiences.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said in a video message that China plays an important role in global football and that FIFA looks forward to working closely with CMG to bring the tournament to Chinese viewers.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström is interviewed by CMG. /CMG
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the first edition to feature 48 teams. CMG said its CCTV-5 channel will broadcast all 92 matches live, while CCTV-5+ will simulcast 12 key final-round group-stage matches. The Olympic Channel, Yangshipin, CCTV Sports and CCTV News apps will also provide round-the-clock coverage across screens and platforms.
CMG said its coverage will combine live broadcasts, short videos, data-driven analysis and interactive content. Multiple World Cup programs will be launched, featuring match analysis, football culture, tournament-related consumption, Chinese manufacturing, travel stories from the host countries, AI-powered predictions and talk-show-style commentary.
During the previous two World Cups, CMG’s all-media coverage attracted more than 60.8 billion viewers, according to the broadcaster.
