Free-to-Air Football: Channel 5 Nets FIFA Club World Cup Matches

A scene from a football match with text saying "Football - The bEautiful Game"

Channel 5 has secured a deal to air 23 matches from the FIFA Club World Cup, bringing top-tier football action to free-to-air television. The tournament, running from June 14th to July 13th in the US, will feature some of the biggest clubs in the world.

This broadcasting victory comes through a sublicensing agreement with DAZN, which holds the exclusive worldwide rights. DAZN’s decision to sublicense aims to expand the tournament’s reach to a wider audience. Channel 5’s coverage includes a hefty portion of the tournament: 15 group stage matches, four round-of-16 games, two quarter-finals, a semi-final clash, and the all-important final.

With 32 teams battling it out in a new group stage and knockout format, the FIFA Club World Cup promises high-stakes drama. UK viewers will have a particular interest in following Chelsea and Manchester City’s progress. The tournament also features football giants such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Inter Miami, ensuring a spectacle of global football talent.

Paramount’s Lee Sears pointed out the advantageous scheduling, with most matches airing in prime-time evening slots. This free-to-air access presents a fantastic opportunity for UK fans to enjoy world-class football without subscription fees.