Welsh language broadcaster S4C has announced it will continue its free coverage of Wales men's international games until 2028.
The television channel has secured exclusive UK free-to-air broadcast rights to show the national team's matches with Welsh language commentary from next year after striking a deal with streaming service Viaplay.
At least 40 live games will be shown on S4C during that time including the next two Nations League campaigns and qualifying matches for both the 2026 World Cup and 2028 European Championships, as well as a host of friendly matches. For the latest Wales football news sent straight to your inbox, sign up here.
READ MORE: Wales footballer Kieffer Moore and model wife celebrate wedding with lavish Rome party
Viaplay acquired Ireland-based TV channel Premier Sports in 2022 before securing the UK rights from Uefa to show the home nations matches, excluding England. The company made a commitment to keeping Wales matches available with Welsh language commentary and had talks with S4C, with the backing of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), about keeping live coverage on the station.
S4C chief executive Sian Doyle said: "We are delighted that we will be able to broadcast Wales' international football matches on S4C until 2028.
"This builds on the already excellent partnership we have with Viaplay, and I would like to thank them for their collaboration on this deal. S4C is the home of Welsh football and we are proud to stand alongside the FAW and Wales' Red Wall of passionate supporters."
Viaplay's senior vice-president and head of sports UK, Ed Breeze added: "There is a very passionate fanbase of Welsh football fans and we're delighted to make these games of such national sporting significance available to the widest possible audience."
Meanwhile, Wales captain Aaron Ramsey told PA news agency it was a "terrific boost for the Welsh language".
He said: "It's great news that the games are going to be available for everyone to watch on S4C. The goal for us as a squad is to reach the finals of the Euros and the World Cup, and we hope that S4C will share our success with the viewers."
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said the partnership with S4C had been "a cornerstone to the growth of Y Wal Goch" and thanked the channel's heads and Viaplay for their roles in promoting the team.
"We are so happy that Cymru’s men national team matches will be free-to-air for everyone," he added. "This is a golden age for Cymru, and we are delighted to be able to share it with everyone.”
As well as the men's senior team, S4C has also secured the rights to broadcast all of Wales' qualifying matches for the Euro 2025 Uefa Under-21 Championships in Slovakia.
The channel's Sgorio Rhyngwladol programme, produced by Rondo, will continue to lead the Welsh language match coverage, with host Dylan Ebenezer describing the renewed deal as "superb news".
"It's all down to what happens on the pitch, and because that's been so successful - the team have been amazing - we've had the privilege of jumping on the bandwagon so to speak," he said. "The games have turned into a national event, and I know how much the supporters who can't make the matches in person appreciate them being available on the S4C."
Anyone wanting to watch the matches with English language commentary or who are unable to access S4C can subscribe to Viaplay with a sports package for £14.99 a month.
READ NEXT:
The Welsh sporting legends and stars whose kids have followed in their footsteps
Tom Lockyer reveals why he collapsed at Wembley as he has heart surgery
Wales footballer Kieffer Moore and model wife celebrate wedding with lavish Rome party
Cardiff City transfer news as Aaron Ramsey has 'made up his mind' on next move
