FIFA has expanded its commercial involvement with the betting sector through a new multi-year agreement that grants exclusive betting data and streaming rightsto sports data firm Stats Perform. The deal spans multiple competitions and allows licensed gambling operators to livestream select FIFA events to account holders, including World Cup matches.

Exclusive Rights Cover Major Competitions Through 2029

Under the agreement, Stats Perform will “distribute official betting data and livestreams” to sports betting operators for modeling, trading, settlement and in-play use. FIFA said the contract also “grants exclusive betting rights to thousands of matches per season across FIFA Member Association competitions powered by FIFA+,” though the governing body did not disclose financial details of the arrangement.

The partnership marks an extension of FIFA’s commercial ties to gambling, despite rules that prohibit players, officials and agents from gambling-related activity. The deal follows a previous regional sponsorship linked to the 2022 World Cup.

Stats Perform confirmed that the newly awarded rights cover high-profile events across the global calendar. The agreement includes exclusive distribution of betting data and live streaming for the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 — which features 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico — along with the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028 and future editions of the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup through 2029. Youth tournaments such as the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup (2026 and 2028) and the FIFA U-20 World Cup (2027 and 2029) are also included, as well as the FIFA Intercontinental Cup through 2029.

According to the Associated Press, Stats Perform’s RunningBall division will collect and distribute ultrafast betting data to licensed operators, while its Opta brand will provide official player statistics, insights, live scores and match trackers to sportsbooks. The company will also supply live video streams for betting platforms through its Bet LiveStreams service in approved territories. Rights for the 2026 and 2027 World Cups form part of that offering.

FIFA’s Chief Business Officer, Romy Gai, described the arrangement as a milestone for the federation’s commercial services. “We are delighted to partner with Stats Perform, a global leader in sports data. This innovative partnership will create great opportunities to deliver official products for the benefit of the game and its fans,” Gai said.

Stats Perform CEO Carl Mergele said operators would benefit from the expanded data portfolio. “FIFA competitions represent the pinnacle of the world’s biggest game,” Mergele stated. “Our clients will be delighted we’re able to add FIFA competitions to our Opta and RunningBall official betting data portfolio, and our innovative, AI-enriched Bet LiveStreams service. We share FIFA’s vision to help the magic of the beautiful game be felt more deeply, by more fans, worldwide.”

Livestreaming Raises Questions Ahead of 2026

The partnership also introduces a notable broadcasting shift. Licensed operators will be permitted to livestream World Cup matches for customers in certain countries, allowing bettors to watch games directly through gambling platforms. Media reports noted that the arrangement covers all 104 matches at this summer’s tournament for eligible operators.

The development comes as other major leagues seek to reduce visible gambling promotion. In England, the Premier League will phase out front-of-shirt gambling sponsors, while FIFA has opted to deepen commercial links with betting firms.

FIFA has also coordinated with streaming platform DAZN to expand FIFA+ distribution. The FIFA+ platform hosts lower-tier competition broadcasts, World Cup archives and highlights, and now supports data integration tied to betting services.

Traditional free-to-air broadcasters in major markets will retain rights to show matches. Coverage plans in England include terrestrial broadcasts for tournament fixtures, separate from betting site streams.

Recent ticket pricing controversies ahead of the event also drew attention. FIFA faced backlash after initial price tiers set high entry points for supporters, prompting adjustments that made a portion of tickets available at reduced rates.