Netflix has secured the exclusive US rights to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for 2027 and 2031, marking the first time the tournament will appear on a streaming service.
The 2027 tournament will feature 32 teams from across the globe, competing in 12 cities throughout Brazil, the host country. The 2031 location will be announced at a later date.
The deal marks a significant push by a streamer into coverage of live sports. Major tournaments such as the World Cup are traditionally broadcast on free-to-air public networks to maximise audience reach.
However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously criticised broadcasters - especially in Europe - for undervaluing the right to broadcast the 2023 Women's World Cup.
“This is a landmark moment for sports media rights,” said Infantino, announcing the Netflix deal. “As a marquee brand and FIFA’s new long-term partner, Netflix has shown a very strong level of commitment to growing women’s football. This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game. FIFA and Netflix partnering together makes this a truly historic day for broadcasting and for women’s football.”
Netflix said studio shows and top-tier talent will supplement its coverage with commentary and entertainment. In the lead-up to the tournament, Netflix will also produce documentaries spotlighting the top players and women’s football.
FIFA Women’s World Cup adds to Netflix’s slate of premium live programming. Last month, 108 million people tuned in to see Jake Paul battle Mike Tyson, making it the most streamed sporting event ever. The streamer is also airing NFL Christmas Day games, featuring the Chiefs vs. the Steelers and the Ravens vs. the Texans, as well as the Netflix debut of WWE Raw on January 6.
Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria said: “I’ve seen the fandom for the FIFA Women’s World Cup grow tremendously — from the electric atmosphere in France in 2019, and most recently, the incredible energy across Australia and New Zealand in 2023. Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix is not just about streaming matches — it’s about celebrating the players, the culture, and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sports.”
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