FIFA, soccer's international governing body, is looking to host a World Cup-style tournament featuring 32 of the world's top club teams, and if Apple and FIFA's talks go well, the Apple TV Plus could be the place to watch it

As reported by the New York Times, FIFA is close to finalizing a deal with Apple that would give Apple worldwide rights to the tournament According to a report in the Times, the deal could be announced by the end of the month

According to reports, the deal could be worth $1 billion, far less than the $4 billion FIFA had expected No details are available on whether the club tournament will be available exclusively on Apple TV Plus or whether it will also include free broadcast rights; Apple TV Plus currently offers weekly Major League Soccer matches and Major League Baseball doubleheaders, and Apple TV Plus is the Club It is not hard to imagine that it could become the exclusive home of the World Cup

The 32-team tournament is slated to begin in June 2025 Club teams from Africa (4 teams), Asia (4 teams), Europe (12 teams), North America/Central America/Caribbean (4 teams), Oceania (1 team), and South America (6 teams) will participate

FIFA has been trying to launch some version of this tournament for years The last major challenge was to be held in China in 2021; COVID postponed and then terminated that version of the tournament Perhaps both broadcasters and sponsors are reluctant to take FIFA's word for it In other words, this may be FIFA president Gianni Infantino's last gasp to make this tournament happen

If this deal goes through, it will be FIFA's first global viewing agreement

Soccer has proven to be popular content for streaming providers looking to drive viewers (and contracts) to their services Peacock currently has streaming rights to English Premier League matches Paramount Plus currently has the rights to broadcast the UEFA Champions League

Both Apple and FIFA declined to comment to The New York Times about potential contract negotiations