IMG’s Sport 24 Lands World Cup Rights

IMG has clinched a deal to bring coverage of FIFA World Cup 26 to the inflight and cruise ship markets, securing the exclusive live rights to broadcast all 104 matches on the Sport 24 channels globally.

The 2026 edition runs across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. from June 11 to July 19. IMG-owned and operated channels have carried the last three World Cup tournaments. The 2022 edition saw 172 live hours broadcast on Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra. More than 1.4 million passengers tuned in to watch in-flight.

Jean-Christophe Petit, director of media partnerships at FIFA, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with IMG, which will ensure millions of fans, whether they are in the air or out at sea, will have access to the FIFA World Cup. IMG will broadcast all 104 matches live on their inflight and inship channels, ensuring exceptional coverage of sport’s most iconic tournament through IMG’s footprint.”

Richard Wise, senior VP of content and channels at IMG, noted: “Sport 24 is all about bringing passengers live coverage of the world’s greatest sporting competitions, wherever they are in the world. Over past tournaments, we’ve seen the FIFA World Cup’s unique ability to spark viral moments as passengers celebrate historic victories together. We are delighted to once again broadcast extensive coverage of the FIFA World Cup live across our channels, so that fans never miss a minute of the action.”

Sport 24 can be viewed on 600-plus aircraft and almost 120 cruise ships. It has agreements with Etihad Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Carnival Group, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line and Fred Olsen, among others.