WM 2030
For this year’s World Cup, Telekom has secured the prominent TV expert, Thomas Müller.
© IMAGO/Amy Elle/SPP
In four years, the World Cup will also be fully broadcast on MagentaTV. The pay-TV channel is establishing itself as a provider of major football tournaments with this coup.
Telekom has made another successful move in the TV rights market. The company has won the bidding for a package of 104 games for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. All matches of the tournament across six countries will only be available on the paid channel, MagentaTV, similar to the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
A Home for Sports Enthusiasts
“MagentaTV is the home for top-notch live sports – today and in the future!” commented Telekom Germany chief Rodrigo Diehl regarding the deal. “We offer football fans unique sports coverage with high-profile expertise combined with great entertainment value.” For the 2026 World Cup, Telekom has enlisted a line-up of experts, including Thomas Müller, Mats Hummels, and the future national coach Jürgen Klopp.
Interest from ARD and ZDF
Telekom sold games of the 2026 World Cup via sublicenses to the free-to-air channels ARD and ZDF. However, 44 matches have recently aired exclusively on the paid Telekom platform, MagentaTV, including two quarter-finals.
Public broadcasters were also interested in the media rights for 2030. They refrained from commenting on the World Cup in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, as well as Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Consolidating Pay-TV Position
Thanks to this new contract with FIFA, Telekom is firmly establishing itself as a pay-TV provider for major football tournaments. They have already shown games from two European Championships on MagentaTV and will be the sole broadcaster for all matches during the Euro in two years.
Exclusive Coverage at a Price
Similar to the World Cup tournaments in 2022 and 2026, ARD and ZDF will be partners of the Bonn-based company for Euro 2028 through various sublicense structures. A similar model is being considered for the World Cup in four years.
“With Euro 2028 and now also the 2030 World Cup, we have the next two major football events on the MagentaTV program,” commented Telekom TV chief Arnim Butzen, highlighting “numerous exclusive games.” Butzen added, “We are continuously developing our football concept and will surprise with MagentaTV at the upcoming major tournaments.” (dpa/edited by ms)
