China Media Group, parent of state broadcaster CCTV, confirmed its FIFA deal covering free to air, pay TV, streaming and mobile rights for mainland China, with coverage produced in 4K and 8K. Digital distribution runs through China Mobile's Migu platform and the social app Xiaohongshu, and the agreement extends through the 2030 World Cup plus the next two Women's World Cups.
It puts China in the top tier of free coverage markets alongside the UK, Australia and Brazil, a notable outcome given China's national team did not qualify. The audience numbers will be enormous regardless: World Cup viewing in China has historically run into the hundreds of millions even without the home team involved.
The full picture of who gets what for free is on our broadcasters list, and the global comparison lives in the free streams guide.