Could South Korea miss the World Cup broadcast? "JTBC owes part of the broadcasting fee to FIFA" — Exclusive report by Japanese media

*This content was translated by AI.

Japanese media reported that South Korea may not be able to watch the 2026 FIFA CONCACAF World Cup broadcast.

On the 23rd (Korean time), Japanese TBS News exclusively reported that "there is a possibility that the World Cup broadcast will not be available in South Korea."

According to the report, JTBC, which holds the broadcasting rights for this CONCACAF World Cup, is said to have failed to pay part of the broadcasting fee to FIFA. Additionally, TBS News explained that JTBC has fallen into financial difficulties due to soaring broadcasting fees and difficulties in reselling rights, along with news that the company filed for corporate reorganization proceedings at a court last week.

The media stated, "If the unpaid broadcasting fees are not settled by the deadline, there is a concern that TV broadcasts after the final tournament starting on the 29th in South Korea may not be recognized." It also added that when a comment was requested from JTBC, the response was "we cannot confirm."

TBS News, citing a source, reported that "the current JTBC representative is currently in Switzerland and is in the stage of negotiating with FIFA to enable the broadcast." The FIFA

headquarters is located in Zurich, Switzerland.

South Korea, which belongs to Group A in this tournament, has recorded one win and one loss (3 points), placing second in the group. The possibility of advancing from the group stage is considered high. South Korea will face South Africa in the third group stage match on the 25th; securing at least a draw will guarantee their advancement to the round of 32.

The round of 32 draw is also not particularly unfavorable. If South Korea advances to the tournament as the second-place team in Group A, it will face the second-place team from Group B. Group B includes Canada, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.