The global streaming giant, Netflix, has landed a landmark deal to become the exclusive Canadian broadcaster of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031, marking one of the boldest moves yet in the streaming giant’s push into live sports.
The agreement, confirmed this week by Netflix and FIFA, will see every match from both tournaments streamed live in English and French through standard Netflix subscriptions — with no extra fees or add-ons.
The deal builds on Netflix’s acquisition of U.S. rights to the same events, cementing its position as the exclusive streaming home of the Women’s World Cup across North America.
Netflix has hinted that Canadian coverage will extend far beyond live games. Plans include original studio shows, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive documentary features tied to the tournament — part of a strategy to wrap live sport in the kind of storytelling content that has fueled Netflix’s entertainment dominance.
The shift is significant for Canadian sports fans: for decades, FIFA events have been the domain of legacy broadcasters like CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet. By securing these rights, Netflix is positioning itself to directly challenge traditional networks and use marquee sports events to drive subscriber growth.
Commenting on the occasion, FIFA Chief Business Officer, Romy Gai, said, “We will embrace the opportunity to work with Netflix to continue to grow the popularity of the women’s game in Canada — a nation with a rich FIFA Women’s World Cup history.”
Gabe Spitzer, Netflix’s Vice-President of Sports, added, “We are thrilled that Netflix will be FIFA’s exclusive partner in Canada for the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031. With under two years to go until the first match in Brazil, we are hard at work on planning and aim to give fans unparalleled access to the most prestigious competition in women’s football.”
For Canada, the deal comes amid a surge in interest in women’s soccer, fueled by the national team’s recent Olympic and World Cup performances. Yet, shifting the tournament from free-to-air or basic cable to a subscription platform could limit casual viewership — a concern industry analysts will be watching closely.
The agreement signals a broader trend in sports media: streaming giants are increasingly willing to challenge established broadcasters for top-tier rights. Netflix’s track record in live sports is growing rapidly — from Christmas Day NFL games to boxing megafights like Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano, plus weekly WWE Raw broadcasts. The company recently revealed the Taylor–Serrano bout attracted 74 million live viewers worldwide.
With the Women’s World Cup now in its portfolio, Netflix is betting that live sports — combined with its content machine — can redefine how major tournaments are watched in Canada and beyond.
