A source confirmed on April 3 that VTV has successfully acquired the media rights for the 2026 World Cup in Vietnam, marking a key development in ensuring nationwide access to the world’s biggest football event.

According to information published on the official website of FIFA, VTV is listed as Vietnam’s sole media rights holder for the tournament.

The broadcaster will control distribution across four platforms: television, radio, mobile devices and the Internet. This comprehensive coverage ensures that audiences can follow matches through a wide range of viewing options without additional cost.

Although VTV has yet to release an official statement detailing its broadcast plans, the confirmation signals that preparations for nationwide coverage are already underway.

In previous World Cup cycles, broadcasting rights in Vietnam were often contested by multiple bidders, driving prices higher. This time, however, VTV acted as the primary bidder and is expected to share rights with other domestic broadcasters.

Sources indicate that the cost of acquiring the 2026 rights is broadly in line with the previous tournament, with adjustments reflecting current market conditions.

During the 2022 edition, VTV secured broadcasting rights only weeks before the tournament began, relying heavily on sponsorship support from major corporations and financial institutions.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across three host nations: the United States, Mexico and Canada.

With expanded scale and broader global interest, ensuring accessible coverage has become a priority for many national broadcasters. In Vietnam, VTV’s acquisition is expected to play a central role in bringing the tournament closer to millions of fans.

By securing rights early and distributing content across multiple platforms, the broadcaster is positioning itself to deliver one of the most widely accessible World Cup viewing experiences in the country to date.

Thai Khang