China Media Group unveils integrated media coverage plan for 2026 FIFA World Cup

China Media Group (CMG) unveiled its integrated media coverage plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Beijing on Sunday, outlining a comprehensive content lineup and brand promotion services for the upcoming tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, marking the first time the tournament will be jointly hosted by three countries.

The tournament will also expand from 32 to 48 teams and feature a record 104 matches.

CMG's flagship sports channel, CCTV-5, will broadcast 92 matches live, while CCTV-5+ will simulcast 12 key matches from the final round of the group stage. The Olympic Channel, together with digital platforms Yangshipin, CCTV Sports and the CCTV News app, will provide round-the-clock coverage, creating an integrated media network across television and mobile platforms.

At the launch event, creative teams from several CMG program centers, along with hosts, commentators, renowned football players and fan representatives, gathered to present a diverse lineup of integrated media programs. The programs will make broad use of artificial intelligence technologies to push the boundaries of traditional viewing and redefine the fan experience.

"What we have seen today is truly refreshing. With richer products, more diverse media matrices, and broader communication channels, this innovation aligns perfectly with current market and media trends and will undoubtedly open up more possibilities for brand development," said Zhu Shuqin, vice president of Hisense Group.

As one of the world's leading sporting events, the FIFA World Cup generates enormous public interest and media exposure, making it an invaluable platform for brands seeking to expand their reach.

During the event, CMG officially launched its 2026 World Cup brand communication services package, comprising five core product series: rights activation, immersive stadium experience, digital and intelligent events, full-domain hot topics, and interactive World Cup engagement.

Built on cutting-edge technologies, innovative platforms, and new communication paradigms, the plan is designed to precisely match enterprises' communication needs, delivering professional, customized, and refined one-stop event marketing solutions.

"We aim to use a top global IP like the World Cup to further elevate our brand's global influence. Through the extensive exposure provided by CMG's powerful platform, we can better share the story of Chinese outdoor brands with audiences around the world," said Zhao Le, vice president of GoNature Outdoor Sports Group Co., Ltd.

CMG and the world soccer governing body FIFA announced on Friday that they had reached an agreement on media rights cooperation for a new cycle of FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and 2030.

According to CMG, the agreement also covers the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2027 and 2031.

Under the agreement, CMG has secured exclusive all-media rights and sublicensing rights for the Chinese mainland across multiple platforms, including free-to-air television, pay television, internet and mobile broadcasting services.

China Media Group unveils integrated media coverage plan for 2026 FIFA World Cup

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Sunday determined that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern."

The WHO said on social media platform X that the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency.

The designation aims to coordinate a stronger international response to end the outbreak. The global health body has sent experts and delivered medical supplies to curb the spread of the disease.

Racing against time to stop the spread of the Ebola virus, UN agencies are scaling up the delivery of medical supplies to Ituri province in the DRC following the confirmation of the infectious disease on Friday.

More than 240 suspected cases and 80 deaths have been reported in two mining towns so far.

The WHO has prompted global partners to aid the DRC government.

"This is a local challenge needing leadership on the frontlines and we are going to have it and we are going to support it but this local challenge can go global in an instant, and those are the stakes that we are all aware of, pushing a pandemic where it belongs and ending it," said David Stevenson, a representative of the World Food Program and country director for Nigeria.

The outbreak has been reported in Uganda. Authorities have also confirmed a case in the DRC capital Kinshasa. In both cases, patients are believed to have traveled from Ituri.

International health organizations have mobilized more than 600 kilograms of medical supplies to support the DRC government to treat Ebola patients and stop the spread of the contagious disease that has occurred in a region affected by conflict.

Officials fear that displacement of populations and cross-border trade may hinder response efforts.

"I think the main challenge we are going to face in Ituri is the population because the population there is very important and they go everywhere. So, you know that there are many traders there and people are going everywhere so this is the big issue we face there," Samuel Roger Kamba, health minister of the DRC.

Countries bordering the DRC are considered high risk. The WHO has urged them to enhance surveillance and report cases. Rwanda has closed its border with the DRC in the western province of Rubavu following the announcement.

The latest Ebola outbreak is the 17th in the DRC since 1976.

Scientists say the disease spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of infected people.

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, Uganda global public health emergency