TF1, France Télévisions, Canal+ to Share World Cup Rights

PARIS: TF1, which holds the exclusive rights in France to the World Cup, has reached a deal to share some of the matches with France Télévisions and the Canal+ Group.

TF1 Group is sub-licensing to France Télévisions and the Canal+ Group the live broadcast rights to 37 of the 64 matches in the competition. The French commercial broadcaster will have the first choice of matches in each stage of the competition. TF1 also has exclusive rights to the opening and closing ceremonies plus live broadcasting rights to 27 matches, in particular the opening match, all matches involving the French national team, the two semi-finals, the third/fourth place play-off and the final. The matches will also be re-broadcast in full on Eurosport. 

Pubcaster France Télévisions has clinched the rights to 34 matches live on France 2 and France 3, filling 29 slots, of which at least eight will be in prime time. France Télévisions will accompany its World Cup coverage with a documentary series about South Africa.

Canal+ will broadcast the entire competition to its subscribers, including all 64 matches, 37 of which will be shown live, 10 in prime time, and eight exclusively on CANAL+.