TF1, the painful breakup confirmed

This is a real blow for TF1, which for many years has made a habit of broadcasting major events involving the French football team. If the Blues qualify for the next World Cups, in 2026 and 2030, France’s leading channel will certainly not broadcast their journey.

This Thursday morning on RTL, the boss of the M6 ​​group Nicolas de Tavernost confirmed persistent information these days: the acquisition of the rights to the 2026 World Cup, organized from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, in Canada and Mexico. And also obtaining the rights for the following edition, four years later, in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Without forgetting inaugural matches in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

A historic absence for TF1

At this stage, nothing says that M6 will not conclude sublicensing agreements to transfer part of its rights to other broadcasters. But TF1 is already out of the running if we are to believe Nicolas de Tavernost: “ We will see the best matches of these two World Cups on the channel of the M6 ​​group. We used to go to major competitions with our colleagues from the first channel, such as for Euro 2024. Our competitor did not wish to continue this sharing. We will therefore have exclusivity for matches in the clear. »

A confirmation all the more explosive since TF1 in its history has always broadcast all or part of the Football World Cups. “ The matches will be at rather pleasant times, at 6 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m…. a few matches at 3 a.m., but these are not necessarily the ones we will choose “, also welcomes the chairman of the board of directors of Métropole Télévision (M6).

For the first edition involving 48 nations, no less than 104 matches will be played from 2026. Note that another broadcaster has been strongly anticipated in recent weeks – this one paying: the beIN Sports group.