AFP announced on Monday that it will dramatically increase its reporting resources for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a move aimed at giving French fans more immediate and in-depth access to the tournament. The agency said the expansion is designed to keep French-language audiences informed as the competition unfolds across three North-American nations.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 national teams and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The larger format and three-country spread mean more matches, more venues and a longer schedule, creating a higher demand for real-time coverage.
AFP plans to deploy roughly 30 journalists, ten videographers and five photo editors to the host cities, providing live match commentary, behind-the-scenes reports and feature stories in French. The agency will also produce multilingual video feeds and photo packages that can be adapted for television, radio and digital platforms.
French broadcasters such as TF1, Canal+ and public-service channel France TV will receive exclusive footage and editorial packages, allowing them to supplement their own production teams. AFP’s partnership with these outlets is expected to broaden the range of perspectives available to viewers, from tactical analysis to human-interest pieces about players and host-city cultures.
The expanded service is projected to benefit advertisers seeking to reach a highly engaged sports audience, while also reinforcing AFP’s position as a leading provider of international sports news. By delivering timely, high-quality content, the agency hopes to attract new subscribers and retain existing ones in a competitive media market.
Coverage will begin with the opening match on 8 June 2026 and continue through the final on 8 July 2026. AFP said it will monitor audience metrics and may adjust its on-ground team if demand shifts, ensuring that French viewers receive the most relevant information throughout the tournament.