FIFA has agreed a first-of-its-kind preferred platform agreement with TikTok ahead of this year’s World Cup.
According to FIFA, the deal will lead to greater collaboration and integration with TikTok, allowing the platform to offer more comprehensive FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage, including increased original content.
Running until the end of 2026, the partnership will also provide opportunities for official FIFA World Cup 2026 Media Partners on TikTok, including the ability to live-stream parts of matches, post more curated clips, and access special content produced by FIFA for TikTok.
Broadcasters will also be able to monetise their FIFA World Cup coverage through TikTok’s premium advertising solutions. TikTok will also implement anti-piracy policies that support and protect FIFA’s intellectual property.
FIFA and TikTok will build a creator programme that will provide a select group of global TikTok creators with access to behind-the-scenes moments, including press conferences and training sessions.
Additionally, a wide group of creators will receive the opportunity to use and co-create FIFA archival footage.
The agreement, the first time the sports body has named a Preferred Platform, builds on the collaboration between FIFA and TikTok for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, which resulted in tens of billions of views.
General Mattias Grafström, Secretary of FIFA, commented: “This is an innovative and creative collaboration that will connect more fans across the globe to the FIFA World Cup in unprecedented ways, bringing them behind the curtain and closer to the action than ever before. As football grows and evolves – uniting an increasing number of people – so should the way it is shared and promoted.”
James Stafford, Global Head of Content, TikTok, said: "Football has experienced explosive global growth on TikTok over the past few years, and as FIFA's first-ever Preferred Platform, we're excited for fans to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026 beyond the 90 minutes, with exclusive content and unprecedented creator access."
FIFA recently partnered with Netflix for a new officially licensed football simulation title that will be released in time for next summer’s World Cup. Discover more here.
HbbTV Association formally integrates DRM in HbbTV 2.0.5
The HbbTV Association has published version 2.0.5 of its core specification, which formally integrates digital rights management (DRM). While HbbTV devices have supported DRM for many years, this is the first time it has been explicitly defined, providing a harmonised, interoperable approach across the ecosystem.
Netflix withdraws from race to acquire Warner Bros Discovery
Netflix has withdrawn from the race to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, leaving the way clear for Paramount Skydance to win the months-long battle for the historic Hollywood studio.
Avatar: Fire and Ash leads at Visual Effects Society awards
Avatar: Fire and Ash was the big winner at the Visual Effects Society’s 24th Annual VES Awards, taking home seven awards in total, including the top prize of Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature.
UK set to enhance regulation of major streamers such as Netflix and Disney+
The UK's biggest video-on-demand services will have to follow the same content and accessibility rules as traditional broadcasters, under new government legislation.
Charity publishes set of principles for mentally healthy productions
The Film and TV Charity has unveiled its new ‘Principles for Mentally Healthy Productions’ to help address systemic pressures and poor working practices across the UK screen sector, aiming to improve culture and conditions on productions.
