IMG has secured the rights to broadcast the FIFA World Cup 26 to the inflight and cruise ship markets. The new agreement grants IMG exclusive rights to broadcast all 104 matches of the football (or soccer if you prefer) tournament live on its Sport 24 channels globally.
Taking place across Canada, Mexico and the United States from 11th June to 19th July 2026, the FIFA World Cup 26 will be the fourth consecutive edition of the men’s competition to be broadcast on channels owned and operated by IMG. IMG says the last world cup – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – saw 172 live hours of football broadcast on Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra, with over 1.4 million passengers tuning in to watch during airline flights. The tournament was a similar success for cruise lines, with many moments broadcast live to screens in the pool decks and lounges of ships.
The tournament is also the latest addition to Sport 24’s range of live football coverage, which includes the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Nations League, UEFA EURO 2024, and the AFC Asian Cup. FIFA World Cup 26 will be the first edition of the tournament to include 48 teams, with current world champions Argentina defending their title.
Jean-Christophe Petit, director of media partnerships at FIFA said of the deal: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with IMG which will ensure millions of fans, whether they are in the air or out at sea, will have access to the FIFA World Cup. IMG will broadcast all 104 matches live on their inflight and inship channels, ensuring exceptional coverage of sport’s most iconic tournament through IMG’s footprint.”
Sport 24 says it is the first and only live sports channel available on airlines and cruise ships around the world. It can be viewed on 610 aircraft and 119 cruise ships, with clients which include Etihad Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Carnival Group, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line and Fred Olsen. Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra are produced from IMG’s production HQ at Stockley Park, near London’s Heathrow Airport.
