The FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico in a new 48-team format, brings easier access for Indian viewers. Unite 8 Sports holds exclusive broadcast rights, while DD Sports offers select free-to-air matches, including the final. FIFA World Cup 2026 matches today on June 21, include Germany vs Ivory Coast, Ecuador vs Curacao, Tunisia vs Japan and Spain vs Saudi Arabia.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is on, spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and for Indian viewers, following it live is more straightforward than previous editions, except for the fact that it is being held at unearthly hours. On June 21, key fixtures include Germany vs Ivory Coast, Ecuador vs Curacao, Tunisia vs Japan and Spain vs Saudi Arabia. You can watch all the action on Zee's newly launched Unite 8 Sports TV network as it holds the official broadcast rights this time around, replacing the Sony-FIFA arrangement Indian audiences had grown used to. Online audiences can tune into Zee5. If you have not come across Unite 8 Sports yet, now is the time to check whether your DTH or cable plan carries it.
For those unwilling to buy a subscription, DD Sports will air select matches free-to-air, including the final. It is not full tournament coverage, but it means the biggest games remain accessible regardless of whether you have Unite 8 Sports or not.
Here is the official line-up of matches scheduled for June 21, 2026.
Germany vs. Ivory Coast (Group E)
Kickoff Time: 1:30 AM IST
Venue: Toronto Stadium, Canada
Ecuador vs. Curacao (Group E)
Kickoff Time: 5:30 AM IST
Venue: Kansas City Stadium, USA
Tunisia vs. Japan (Group F)
Kickoff Time: 9:30 AM IST
Venue: Monterrey Stadium, Mexico
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia (Group H)
Kickoff Time: 9:30 PM IST
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, USA
ZEE5 is offering two dedicated subscription tiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026, both of which include full access to the platform’s entertainment library along with live football coverage. The plans differ mainly in duration, number of screens, and viewing experience.
Quarterly Plan: ₹799 (valid for 3 months)
1 screen access
Full HD streaming
Ad-supported playback
Annual Plan: ₹1,699 (valid for 1 year)
2 screens access
Full HD streaming
Ad-free
The FIFA World Cup 2026 stands out as a landmark edition, not just for the football but for its unprecedented scale. For the first time in history, the tournament is being co-hosted by three countries, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking a major expansion in how the event is staged. This edition also features a new 48-team format, up from 32, leading to a total of 104 matches across 16 host cities.