The surprise is total in the world of audiovisual and sports rights. La Une did not get its hands on the television rights of the 23e Football World Cup, in 2026, it will be M6, according to our information, confirming those of Figaro and of RMC. François Pellissier, the deputy general director in charge of business and sports of the TF1 television group, and Julien Millereux, the sports director, announced it to their teams on Tuesday March 5.
This acquisition is a nice coup for the M6 group, because broadcasting live sporting events is one of the last cards – along with information – which makes it possible to secure significant linear audiences in a global context of falling sales. television audience. The chain experienced its most disappointing year since 1992 with only 8.1% market share in 2023, one point less than in 2021.
As Nicolas de Tavernost prepares to hand over operational presidency to David Larramendy, currently in charge of commercial activities, this could also be an opportunity to broaden his audience. “We are going to reach the advertising target of men under 50, even though our audience is predominantly female”, explained Frédéric de Vincelles, general director of programs within the group, in September 2023 at the time of the cordial agreement between TF1, France Télévisions and M6 to share broadcasting rights for the Rugby World Cup. Mr. Tavernost must detail, Wednesday March 6, the upcoming digital strategy, which will notably see the M6+ platform replace the current 6Play.
TF1 remains exclusive partner of the Blues
TF1 had however made an offer to broadcast the competition which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico between June 11 and July 19, 2026. But it did not wish to outbid. During TF1’s latest annual results, its chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), Rodolphe Belmer, recalled that the group would continue its large investments in programs, but without cutting corners. Opposite, the M6 group made a larger offer. “Beyond 130 million euros”, according to RMC. An investment that will not be easy to make profitable, even if the public should be there.
On average, 8.7 million people followed the 24 matches broadcast by TF1 during the 2022 World Cup, a score close to that of 2018 (8.6 million). Audiences were even higher for Les Bleus matches, which usually climb depending on their progress in the competition. For example, an average of 24.08 million viewers followed the final against Argentina in 2022, i.e. “absolute audience record”. The disappointment is therefore important for the front page, whose slogan “The French, together” refers to moments of cohesion around the French football team.
You have 17.33% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.