2026 World Cup: Congolese Broadcaster Airs Only 44 Matches Due to High Costs

The Congolese National Radio-Television (RTNC) will broadcast 44 out of the 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup, a significant reduction from the total number of games. This limitation stems primarily from the high cost of broadcasting rights, acquired from New World TV, which holds the rights for French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa.

Didier M’Boy, the RTNC's Director General, explained that the acquired package focuses on matches featuring African national teams during the group stage, along with other high-profile games. "The RTNC has acquired 44 matches out of the 104 in the competition. We prioritized all matches of the African teams and the major clashes," he stated.

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The RTNC has acquired 44 matches out of the 104 in the competition. We prioritized all matches of the African teams and the major clashes.

M’Boy noted that the prohibitive cost of the rights, commercialized by FIFA through New World TV, has prevented many broadcasters worldwide from securing the full package. "The matches are enormously expensive. This is the factor that explains why we are content with 44 games," he added, emphasizing that even some international broadcasters did not obtain all rights.

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The matches are enormously expensive. This is the factor that explains why we are content with 44 games.

Despite the reduced selection, M’Boy assured Congolese football fans that all matches involving the Democratic Republic of Congo's national team, the Leopards, will be broadcast. "If the DRC advances past the group stage, we must accompany the Leopards throughout the tournament," he affirmed. The RTNC also plans to inform viewers about the schedule of the selected matches through regular on-air announcements.

The RTNC holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup within the DRC as part of its agreement with New World TV. M’Boy warned that any unauthorized broadcasts would result in administrative and technical sanctions, in line with FIFA's regulations. For Congolese football enthusiasts, the RTNC promises to air the tournament's key matches and the Leopards' entire journey.

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If the DRC advances past the group stage, we must accompany the Leopards throughout the tournament.