Streaming service DAZN has secured an exclusive option on the global streaming rights for the next men’s FIFA Club World Cup in 2029, The Guardian reported on 2 November. The deal deepens its partnership with FIFA.
DAZN stepped in before the first 32-team Club World Cup, held in the United States in 2025, agreeing to pay $1 billion (about £745 million) for global rights after many broadcasters and other streaming services declined to bid. Apple TV had held talks with FIFA but withdrew over a disagreement on value, and FIFA’s attempt to sell the rights region by region did not work.
That bid was helped by Saudi Arabia’s Surj Sports Investment buying a 10% stake in DAZN. The money in effect paid for FIFA’s $1 billion prize fund, and the winners, Chelsea, took home about $114 million.
DAZN is still losing money despite having more than 300 million registered users. Its 2025 accounts show operating losses rising from $772.9 million to $939.8 million over 12 months.
The value of the 2029 deal, and the date by which DAZN must take up the option, have not been disclosed. FIFA has not yet decided the venue, format or size of the 2029 tournament, despite long talks with clubs about expanding it to 48 teams. According to The Guardian, Morocco, co-host of the 2030 World Cup, would be the favourite to host if Gianni Infantino is re-elected as FIFA president.
Planning has also been slowed by a dispute with European Football Clubs, the clubs’ lobby group, which complained about delays in paying $250 million in solidarity money owed from the 2025 tournament. The two sides have yet to agree a joint venture to run the competition’s commercial side, which may wait until after FIFA’s presidential election in March.
