Rabat – Sports streaming platform DAZN has secured an exclusive option to acquire the global digital broadcasting rights for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, strengthening its partnership with FIFA following its coverage of the previous edition.
According to British newspaper The Guardian, the agreement gives DAZN exclusive rights to secure the digital broadcasting package for the next tournament. However, the financial terms of the new agreement and the deadline for activating the option have not been disclosed.
DAZN previously paid $1 billion to acquire the worldwide broadcasting rights for the expanded 2025 Club World Cup, which took place in the United States and featured 32 teams.
The deal came after several television networks and digital platforms declined to submit competing offers for the competition.
Apple had also held discussions with FIFA over broadcasting the tournament but eventually withdrew from negotiations following disagreements over the value of the rights.
FIFA subsequently struggled to sell the broadcasting packages separately across regional markets before DAZN submitted its offer.
The agreement helped FIFA secure broadcasting revenue equivalent to the tournament’s $1 billion prize fund.
Chelsea won the inaugural expanded edition in 2025, collecting approximately $114 million in prize money.
Despite continuing financial challenges, DAZN has maintained its investment in major sporting competitions. The company’s operating losses increased from $772.9 million to $939.8 million in 2025, according to the report.
FIFA faces challenges ahead of 2029 tournament
The new broadcasting agreement comes amid uncertainty surrounding preparations for the 2029 Club World Cup.
FIFA has yet to announce the host country, the final competition format, or the number of participating teams. Discussions have included a possible expansion from 32 to 48 clubs.
Preparations have also faced disagreements between FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA).
The dispute followed FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell portions of the organization’s commercial rights to external investors. Infantino later withdrew the project after facing opposition.
According to The Guardian, the ECA threatened to withdraw its support for the tournament and expressed concerns in a letter to FIFA over delays in distributing $250 million in solidarity payments owed to clubs following the 2025 competition.
Although relations between the two sides have improved since the proposal was withdrawn, negotiations over the tournament’s commercial partnership remain ongoing.
Morocco, potential host for 2029
Morocco has emerged as one of the potential candidates to host the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, according to The Guardian.
The British newspaper highlighted Morocco’s relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his close ties with King Mohammed VI as factors that could strengthen the country’s position.
A joint hosting arrangement involving Morocco and Spain has also emerged as a possibility, particularly as both countries are preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal.
The report also noted that the decision to award the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup to the United States could improve Morocco’s chances of hosting the men’s competition in 2029.
The United States had previously been among the countries considered for the men’s tournament, while Portugal has reportedly shown reservations about hosting the competition.
Morocco’s potential bid would build on its preparations for the 2030 World Cup and its growing involvement in hosting major international football competitions.
However, FIFA has yet to make an official announcement regarding the host of the 2029 Club World Cup.
