Japan's TBS reported on the 23rd that "JTBC has failed to pay part of the World Cup broadcasting rights fee to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)," adding, "If the arrears are not settled by the deadline, there are concerns that viewers in Korea will not be able to watch matches on TV after the tournament (round of 32) begins on June 29."
TBS said it confirmed this through an anonymous source. According to the outlet, the source said, "A JTBC official has gone to Switzerland, where FIFA is located, to conduct broadcast negotiations." TBS said JTBC responded to the matter by saying it "cannot confirm."
In 2019, JTBC purchased the broadcasting rights for all Olympics and World Cups to be held from 2026 to 2032.
Ahead of the World Cup, JTBC put the resale of broadcast rights up for public bid to the three terrestrial broadcasters (KBS, MBC, SBS) and others, but after negotiations broke down, it finalized only a joint broadcast with KBS.
Korea's national soccer team won the first match against the Czech Republic 2-1 and lost to co-host Mexico 0-1. One final match against South Africa remains, but the odds of advancing to the round of 32 are considered high. Even a draw would secure second place in the group and a berth in the round of 32. Sports statistics firm Opta predicted Korea's chances of reaching the World Cup round of 32 at 91.22%.