Fifa has reached a last-minute broadcasting agreement with Zee Entertainment to air the 2026 World Cup in India, avoiding a blackout in one of the world's largest television markets. The deal, announced just ten days before the tournament begins on 11 June, ends months of negotiations that had left rights unsold in India.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but Reuters previously reported that Fifa had initially sought around $100 million for the India package covering the 2026 and 2030 World Cups, before reducing its asking price to $60 million. Zee's shares rose by approximately 7% following the announcement.
The agreement provides Zee with a significant entry into India's competitive sports broadcasting sector, currently dominated by the Reliance-Disney joint venture JioStar, which holds rights for major events such as the Indian Premier League. Previous attempts to secure a broadcaster faced hurdles, with JioStar offering about $20 million for the rights—a bid rejected by Fifa—and Sony holding discussions but not bidding.
Most matches will be screened late at night in India due to the time difference, a factor that dampened broadcaster appetite and complicated Fifa's sales efforts. Viacom18, which aired the 2022 World Cup, paid about $60 million for those rights, benefiting from more favourable time zones in Qatar.
The comprehensive deal extends beyond the 2026 men's tournament, covering 39 Fifa events over eight years through 2034, including the 2027 Women's World Cup, according to a joint statement. India will not be competing in the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time.
The tournament kicks off on 11 June when co-hosts Mexico face South Africa, a repeat of the opening match of the 2010 World Cup. Over 100 matches will be played across five-and-a-half weeks, with the final scheduled for 19 July in New Jersey, USA.
