FIFA pivots from standalone app, migrates FIFA+ exclusively to DAZN platform

The move signals a retreat from the independent direct-to-consumer model for major sports governing bodies in favor of platform aggregation. By offloading the technical and operational burden to DAZN, FIFA gains immediate global scale and advanced data tools without the overhead of sustaining a proprietary app. For DAZN, this cements its position as a primary sports hub, adding high-volume inventory to a portfolio that already includes the NFL and NHL. Industry stakeholders should monitor if this migration sets a precedent for other leagues struggling to maintain the high customer acquisition costs of standalone apps.

The exclusive integration follows a high-stakes proof of concept during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. According to DAZN and Nielsen Sports data from September 2025, that tournament reached an estimated 2.7 billion viewers across all media formats. DAZN, which reportedly paid $1 billion for those global broadcast rights, successfully used a free-to-view model for all 63 matches to drive platform registrations. In Italy and Spain specifically, the tournament benefited from DAZN’s existing stronghold as a primary domestic broadcaster for Serie A and LaLiga.

Beyond direct match streaming, DAZN is aggressively building a broader digital ecosystem around the FIFA partnership. Per Bitcoin.com in April 2026, the streamer integrated blockchain-backed prediction tools through a deal with ADI Predictstreet, allowing real-time sentiment tracking during live broadcasts. Simultaneously, DAZN launched 'DAZN48' in April 2026, an initiative recruiting 48 social media creators to represent every competing nation in the upcoming World Cup, aimed at capturing younger audiences through non-traditional storytelling.

This aggregation strategy aligns with DAZN’s stated financial goals. CEO Shay Segev previously noted in 2024 accounts—as reported by The Guardian in October 2025—that the company eyes profitability in 2026 through a 'Spotify of sport' model. By absorbing entities like FIFA+ and offering a freemium tier with premium upsells, DAZN is attempting to consolidate the fragmented sports rights market under one technical stack. The move also includes recent major rights wins, such as the July 2025 deal securing Lega Serie A matches for the UK, Ireland, and U.S. markets.