In a recent communication, Yousef Al-Obaidly, president of beIN France, confirmed that the network has acquired the rights to broadcast the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups. This announcement came after speculation that the rights could potentially be associated with Ligue 1+, a topic that Al-Obaidly addressed in a somewhat evasive manner earlier in the year. He emphasized that his previous silence was out of respect for the bidding process and partnerships involved.

Al-Obaidly’s statement sheds light on the competitive nature of sports broadcasting in France, particularly regarding major events such as the World Cup. His criticism of the Ligue 1+ platform indicates a broader sentiment within the industry regarding the pressures and expectations placed upon media organizations during major sporting events. This move by beIN Sports not only solidifies its standing as a key player in sports media but also raises questions about the future of Ligue 1+ and its value proposition in the evolving sports landscape.

The implications of this deal are significant for both beIN Sports and the French sports broadcasting market as a whole. With the acquisition of the World Cup rights, beIN reinforces its strategy to engage sports fans and provide comprehensive coverage of global events. While Ligue 1+ may struggle to compete with this kind of high-profile content, the shift may also signal an impending challenge for the platform to redefine its identity and service offerings to retain viewership and partner relations moving forward.