It is official now! The FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast rights in India for TV and live streaming have been bagged by Zee Entertainment, much to the Indian football fans' relief and delight. Just a week or so ago, many were thinking that there would not be a live telecast or live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India as other broadcasters fell by the wayside. However, negotiations continued with Zee Entertainment and now, the same has been announced. Notably, fans can check FIFA World Cup 2026 live telecast on the new Unite8 Sports linear channels in India. At the same time, the FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming on mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets will be available on Zee5. FIFA World Cup 2026 starting date is 11 June 2026 and it will conclude on 19 July 2026.
While FIFA was at one time demanding $100 mn, it got offers from some Indian broadcasters for only around $20 mn. FIFA had dropped its asking price to $60 mn thereafter. However, the talks regarding FIFA broadcast rights in India with Zee, it was reported, were mentioning sums between $30 mn to $35 mn. This would cover both FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast rights in India on TV and live streaming online.
Chinese fans were facing similar difficulties, but ultimately the China Media Group stepped forward and bought the rights. It reportedly paid $62 mn for the rights to cover the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In his reaction, Punit Goenka, CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, said, “We are excited to bring one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences”.
He added, “Football cuts across regions and demographics, and the investments in garnering the media rights and launching dedicated sports channels reflect our clear belief in its long-term potential. Our partnership with FIFA will enable us to unlock the true value of the sport in line with our sharp focus on growth and profitability, while amplifying the excitement of the game for every fan.”
On his part, FIFA’s Chief Business Officer, Romy Gai, said, “The FIFA World Cup is the greatest show on earth, and we are glad to partner with ‘Z’ for the first time, to bring this global spectacle to India”.
The biggest challenge to paying the high amounts FIFA was demanding emerged in the form of timing. The tournament is being held in North America and broadcasters face lack of viewership in India due to the time difference. World Cup 2026 matches will be played late at night and very early in the morning as per India time and not many people would be looking to stay awake for that. Ultimately, the late-night and early-morning kick-off times became a hurdle that could not be overcome. However, that looks to have been fixed and Zee has emerged triumphant after bagging the FIFA World Cup broadcast rights in India.
While time constraint is very much a factor, media consumption habits of the public added to the problem. Also, India is a cricket-loving country and any other sports, including soccer comes second. As per industry observers, this has caused the value of the India rights package to be downgraded vis a vis previous editions of the World Cup.
Notably, FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast rights in India will be covered on Unite8 Sports and it will likely happen in multiple Indian languages to broaden the viewership across the country. Zee has introduced a number of sports channels for FIFA World Cup 2026 TV telecast including Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite 8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD. World Cup 2026 live streaming will be on Zee5.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held in North America with the United States, Canada, and Mexico, jointly playing hosts. This will be the first time the FIFA World Cup tournament will have as many as 48 teams. That means the number of matches will add up to a whopping 104.