Indian football fans are eagerly awaiting clarity on who will broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India. With the tournament just weeks away, negotiations between FIFA and Indian broadcasters have reached a critical stage, with Zee Entertainment and JioHotstar (Reliance-Disney JV) emerging as the top contenders.
Current Status of FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast rights in India
As of May 23, 2026, no official broadcaster has been announced for India. However, multiple media reports indicate that FIFA is close to finalizing a deal valued between $30-35 million. This would cover both television and digital rights for the expanded 48-team tournament featuring 104 matches, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
• Zee Entertainment has emerged as a strong late contender. The company is planning a major return to sports broadcasting with a new bouquet of channels under the Unite8 Sports brand. Reports suggest Zee is actively negotiating and could be the frontrunner.
• JioHotstar (previously JioCinema for 2022) has stuck to a lower valuation of around $20 million, which FIFA initially found insufficient after seeking much higher figures earlier.
Why the Delay in Broadcast Rights?
FIFA reportedly started with an ambitious ask of around $100 million (for 2026-2030 combined) but has significantly reduced expectations. Indian broadcasters have been cautious due to high costs, late-night match timings in India, and monetization challenges. Sony and FanCode opted out, while public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has also distanced itself from acquiring the rights.
What This Means for Indian Fans
India remains one of football’s fastest-growing markets, with massive viewership for European leagues and past World Cups. A successful deal will ensure widespread access across TV and digital platforms, preventing a potential blackout for millions of fans in cities like Kolkata, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Goa.
Official announcement is expected in the coming days or next week. Whether it’s Zee making a comeback or Jio retaining the rights, fans can look forward to full coverage of the biggest World Cup in history.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on FIFA World Cup 2026 India broadcast, live streaming options, and schedule.