China Media Group (CMG) has issued a copyright protection statement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reaffirming its exclusive media rights and sublicensing authority for the tournament across the Chinese mainland. The broadcaster also outlined a series of measures aimed at combating unauthorized use of World Cup content and broadcast signals.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19. CMG holds the exclusive multimedia rights and sublicensing rights for the tournament in the Chinese mainland, as well as the copyright and sublicensing rights for its television and radio signals.

According to the statement, CMG has authorized China Mobile's Migu and Xiaohongshu to provide live streams, delayed broadcasts and video-on-demand services, while Shanghai Five-Star Sports Channel and Guangdong Sports Channel have been granted rights for television broadcasts only.

CMG warned that, without authorization, organizations and individuals are prohibited from broadcasting, rebroadcasting, distributing, storing, selling or publicly screening World Cup matches and CMG signals through television, radio, internet platforms, mobile applications, IPTV services or any other audiovisual channels.

The statement also prohibits the creation and distribution of GIFs, images, audio clips and other derivative content based on World Cup broadcasts, as well as the use of misleading promotions such as "free World Cup streams" or "World Cup live broadcasts" to direct users to unauthorized content.

In addition, CMG said it will take action against entities that use the tournament's name or media rights for unauthorized commercial promotion, advertising sales or ambush marketing activities.

CMG's General Manager Office has launched a dedicated copyright protection campaign for the World Cup and pledged to strengthen enforcement efforts throughout the tournament. The broadcaster said it will pursue legal action against copyright infringements and acts of unfair competition involving World Cup programming and CMG broadcast signals.

The statement came less than a month after FIFA confirmed CMG as the official broadcaster in China for the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups, with CMG subsequently sublicensing digital distribution rights to Migu and Xiaohongshu.