Watch Tomorrow: Cabinet to Urgently Discuss 2026 World Cup Broadcasting Rights Deal as Thais Hope for Free Coverage
Thailand's Cabinet will urgently discuss purchasing 2026 World Cup broadcasting rights tomorrow to secure free coverage for Thai viewers, coordinating with the private sector ahead of the tournament in North America next year.
Watch tomorrow: Cabinet to urgently discuss 2026 World Cup broadcasting rights deal as Thais hope for free coverage, expected to coordinate with private sector. On May 11, 2025, government sources revealed that the Cabinet will discuss an urgent agenda item regarding the broadcast of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Cabinet discussion will need to address purchasing broadcasting rights from FIFA to meet the tight deadline, which is considered urgent since the tournament is scheduled for June 11 – July 19, 2026, and will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Cabinet is addressing this matter because the government's core policy is to enable Thai citizens to watch world-class football at no cost, aiming to bring happiness and inspire youth to engage in sports, which will benefit the physical and mental well-being of the nation. Previously, Prime Minister Anusit Charnveerakul and Interior Minister stated that the government will do its best to facilitate the World Cup broadcast. Although the government cannot directly purchase the rights, it will coordinate with the private sector. Last week, the Prime Minister met with the chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and disclosed that discussions about the World Cup broadcast have taken place, with greater clarity expected after tomorrow's Cabinet meeting on May 12.
