DAZN Set to Take Big Gamble on Italian World Cup TV Rights

DAZN isn’t waiting around to snatch up Italian TV rights for the 2026 World Cup.

The company is close to securing a deal to be the country’s exclusive broadcaster of the tournament. According to Sportcal, reports indicate the negotiations are in their final stage, with completion expected by the end of the month. DAZN is a broadcast partner for the country’s top soccer league, Serie A.

The 2026 World Cup is set to kick off on June 11.

DAZN Takes a Big Gamble

While the deal could deliver a big win for DAZN, it also carries significant risk.

Italy’s national team has not qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The team failed to win its group and was instead forced to compete in the European playoffs for one of the tournament’s final slots. Sports betting sites have the Azzuri favored to win their playoff matchups against Northern Ireland and either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

If Italy qualifies, it would break a 12-year absence from the tournament it once dominated. That would spark the beleaguered fanbase, leading fans to tune in live regardless of the time zone difference. 

However, if Italy loses in the playoffs, it could lead to a significant drop in viewership. Fans would be further frustrated by the national team, and many won’t be willing to stay up late or wake up early to watch the World Cup.

Italy Would Be the Third Country to Partner With DAZN

One reason DAZN is comfortable rolling the dice in Italy is its partnerships in other markets. The broadcaster has signed World Cup broadcast deals with Japan and Spain, who will be sending their teams to North America in June.

The deal in Spain is especially significant, given sportsbooks are making its national team the favorite to win the tournament. The country’s soccer-obsessed fans will be tuning in to each match, allowing DAZN to sell advertising rights at high prices.

If Italy qualifies, it would give DAZN two of the world's largest soccer markets.

Deal Goes Beyond World Cup

The impending DAZN deal will include not only the 2026 World Cup. 

The broadcaster will also be getting rights to the women’s World Cup, which will take place next year in Brazil. Italy’s women’s team has not been competitive of late, but DAZN still expects strong viewership.

The partnership will also allow the broadcaster rights to other FIFA events over the next two years. That includes the U-17 and U-20 World Cup tournaments, where fans from around the country can watch their team’s top prospects.