Why China Couldn't Afford the World Cup Anymore

China's struggle to secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcasting rights may seem like a dispute over price—but it reveals something much bigger. In this video, we examine why CCTV refused FIFA's asking price, how China's advertising market has changed, why major Chinese sponsors are pulling back, and what this tells us about the country's slowing economy. From collapsing real estate to shrinking consumer demand and growing fiscal pressure, the World Cup has become an unexpected window into China's deeper economic challenges. Is this simply a business decision, or a sign that China's economic model is facing a new reality? Lei's Looking Glass channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LeisLookingGlass Lei's Real Talk channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LeisRealTalk Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-lei-s-real-talk-support-lei Support Lei’s work via her online shop: https://shop.leisrealtalk.com/ Sign up for my emails: https://leisrealtalk.com/ Ideas/Suggestions: [email protected] ****************** We discuss world economy, history, and politics. Our main focus is U.S.-China relations. We make short videos and tell you the hidden stories. ****************** References: ****************** 🔔 Subscribe for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/LeisRealTalk​​​ ****************** 🔵 Make sure to share this video with your friends! Follow us on our Website: https://leisrealtalk.com/​​​​​​ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeisRealTalk​​​​​​​​ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leisrealtalk​​​ ******************