JTBC announced a joint broadcast agreement with KBS for the 2026 World Cup. Courtesy of JTBC

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast in Korea only on JTBC and KBS after last-minute negotiations with other major networks broke down, narrowing viewing options for one of the country’s most-watched global sporting events.

JTBC said Wednesday that it had finalized a co-broadcast agreement with KBS after offering identical terms to the country’s three major terrestrial broadcasters — KBS, MBC and SBS — and receiving responses by Monday.

“We confirmed a joint broadcast with KBS after reviewing responses from the three broadcasters,” JTBC said. “We feel responsible for the prolonged negotiations over broadcasting rights for a major national event and will prepare thoroughly to deliver a strong broadcast.”

Talks with MBC and SBS on reselling the television rights ultimately failed, meaning the tournament will only be available through JTBC and KBS.

The 2026 World Cup, set to open on June 11 (local time) and run for more than a month, will feature 104 matches — the largest in the tournament's history — and will be jointly hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico for the first time.

With about 50 days remaining before kickoff, JTBC plans to dispatch a large-scale production and technical team overseas. A broadcast team led by veteran commentator Bae Sung-jae is expected to cover matches on site. Korea has been drawn into Group A alongside host nation Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic, with its first match scheduled against the Czech Republic at 11 a.m. on June 12 (Korea time).

JTBC had been in extended negotiations with the three terrestrial broadcasters over reselling rights. It proposed splitting most costs — excluding digital resale revenue — equally between its parent group and the broadcasters. The sides struggled to bridge differences, but JTBC and KBS eventually reached a deal reportedly worth 14 billion won ($10.2 million).

KBS said, “Although significant losses are expected, we accepted JTBC’s final proposal to fulfill the responsibility of a public broadcaster.” It added, “We made every effort to ensure viewers get value for the fees they pay and reached a dramatic agreement.”

KBS plans to finalize technical coordination with JTBC and send its own commentators, including former national team player Lee Young-pyo, to the host countries. Broadcaster Jun Hyun-moo is also set to join the World Cup coverage team.

Source: Korea Times News