# World Cup 2026

The Great Broadcast Standoff: Why Chinese Screens May Go Dark for the 2026 World Cup

China faces a potential World Cup blackout as CCTV and FIFA remain deadlocked over soaring broadcasting fees just weeks before the 2026 tournament. Amid unfavorable time zones and the national team’s absence, the state broadcaster is resisting FIFA’s premium pricing, creating a crisis for fans and major Chinese corporate sponsors.