FIFA President Gianni Infantino hails JTBC's World Cup deal as a milestone for Korean football

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his desire on Tuesday for JTBC, an affiliate of the Korea JoongAng Daily, to make the 2026 and 2030 World Cups the best experiences for Korean football fans through its exclusive broadcasting contract.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, left, poses for a photo with JoongAng Group Vice Chairman Hong Jeong-do at the JTBC headquarters in western Seoul on Tuesday. [YONHAP]

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his desire on Tuesday for JTBC, an affiliate of the Korea JoongAng Daily, to make the 2026 and 2030 World Cups the best experiences for Korean football fans through its exclusive broadcasting contract.

Infantino met with Hong Jeong-do, vice chairman of the JoongAng Group, at the JTBC headquarters in western Seoul to discuss the exclusive contract, which will allow JTBC to broadcast the 2026 and 2030 World Cups, as well as the U-20 World Cups in 2025 and 2027.

“We are proud and happy about this new partnership that will bring the best of football to Korean households,” Infantino said.

JTBC’s exclusive contract marks the first World Cup broadcasting agreement signed by a non-terrestrial TV channel in Korea. Previously, only three terrestrial broadcasters — KBS, SBS and MBC — have aired the World Cup in the country.

This exclusive contract makes JTBC the first Korean broadcaster to cover the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, and the only broadcaster in the country to air the 2030 World Cup, commemorating the tournament's 100th anniversary.

Infantino expressed confidence that JTBC would present the World Cups in the best possible way for Korean football fans.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Hong presented Infantino with two custom jerseys featuring the numbers 26 and 30, representing the 2026 and 2030 World Cups.

JTBC’s historic contract follows its acquisition of exclusive broadcasting rights for four Olympic Games from 2026 to 2032.

“The fact that the JoongAng Group has been chosen as a partner for both FIFA and the International Olympic Committee demonstrates our global competitiveness,” Hong said. “We will work with partner companies to deliver unprecedented technology and perspectives.

“Our ultimate goal is to successfully present the joy of sports and create memorable experiences for many viewers.”

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]