Oliver Kahn, Igor Stimac & Bhaichung Bhutia to headline Zee's FIFA World Cup 2026 expert panel

Zee is the official broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India.

The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is almost over, and excitement among football fans is reaching fever pitch.

With the showpiece event just a night away, Zee Entertainment, the official broadcaster for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India, has assembled a star-studded panel of football personalities to enhance its coverage. Thus, featuring a blend of World Cup winners, Indian football legends and renowned presenters to make the experience richer and more entertaining.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins on June 11 and will run until July 19, with the United States, Canada and Mexico jointly hosting the expanded 48-team competition.

With that said, let us take a look at the expert panel for the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far, which can be revealed exclusively by Khel Now, with the official announcement to come in 24 hours.

Who are there in Zee’s expert panel for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Former Germany captain and goalkeeping great Oliver Kahn is the marquee name on Zee’s expert panel. A World Cup finalist in 2002 and the only goalkeeper to win the Golden Ball at the FIFA World Cup after his performances in 2002, Kahn is regarded as one of the finest players to have played the position. However, Kahn will feature in the later part of the tournament while negotiations with England and Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler are also going on.

India might not be at the FIFA World Cup, but Indian football will have its own representatives at the grandest stage of football.

With the showpiece event just a night away, Zee Entertainment, the official broadcaster for FIFA World Cup 2026 in India, has strengthened its coverage plans by bringing together some of the biggest names in Indian football for its expert panel.

Former India head coach Igor Stimac is expected to be present for the matches during the group stage, while Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia will reportedly be part of the broadcaster’s coverage throughout the tournament. Indian football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will be on the panel for some matches as well. Kerala Blasters head coach Ashley Westwood will join the squad as well.

Former India captain and legend Sunil Chhetri might also be a part of the expert panel, with the talks going on.

Former Indian women’s football team goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan will also be a part of this exciting ensemble. They will be joined by the likes of former India footballer Robin Singh; football expert Paul Masefield, who has been a household name in Indian football and the Indian Super League (ISL) for over 10 years now; and last but not at all the least, English journalist and presenter Seema Jaswal.

Seema Jaswal has worked with the BBC, the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League while establishing herself as one of ITV’s leading football presenters. She has covered the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and UEFA Euro 2020, making history in Qatar as the first woman to present a men’s World Cup quarter-final for a UK broadcaster.

TV presenters Khuri Irani and Arjun Pandit will be a part of the panel as well.

List of Zee’s expert panel for FIFA World Cup 2026 so far by Khel Now:

• Oliver Kahn
• Igor Štimac
• Bhaichung Bhutia
• Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
• Ashley Westwood
• Aditi Chauhan
• Robin Singh
• Paul Masefield
• Seema Jaswal
• Khuri Irani
• Arjun Pandit

Update: Zee have officially announced the lineup, confirming the above names and Khel Now understands the remaining names will be announced at later stage.

Language	Commentator / Expert / Anchor
English	Igor Stimac, Bhaichung Bhutia, Paul Masefield, Ashley Westwood, Seema Jaswal
Hindi	Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Aditi Chauhan, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Manish Batavia, Atish Thukral, Sahil Khattar, Arpit Sharma, Arjun Pandit
Hindi / English	Robin Singh, Karan Sawhney
Malayalam	Jo Paul, I. M. Vijayan, N. P. Pradeep, Shyju Damodaran, Shiyas Mohammad
Bangla	Rajat Ghosh-Dastidar, Debjit Ghosh, Arnab Mondal, Pallab Basu-Mallick, Argha

Speaking about the announcement, Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer, Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment Enterprises said, “The FIFA World Cup is one of the world’s most premium sporting properties, bringing together billions of fans through a shared passion for football. As we bring the tournament to audiences across India, it was important for us to deliver a viewing experience that is not only world class, but also deeply relevant to Indian fans. Through ZEE5’s coverage in English, Hindi, Bangla and Malayalam, supported by an exceptional line up of presenters, commentators and football experts, we aim to make every match more immersive, insightful and engaging for audiences across the country. For ZEE5 and Unite8, this tournament marks an important milestone in our long-term partnership with FIFA and reflects our commitment to building a more diversified and future ready sports portfolio.”

Commentator quotes:

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu added, “For Indian football fans, the FIFA World Cup has always been more than just a tournament; it is an event that inspires generations to dream bigger and connect more deeply with the sport. As someone who has seen the growth of football culture in India up close, I am excited to join ZEE5 and contribute to conversations that bring viewers closer to the emotional and tactical side of the game. What makes the World Cup special is its ability to unite fans across regions, languages, and backgrounds, and I am looking forward to celebrating that passion with audiences throughout the tournament.”

Paul Masefield said, “Having followed and analysed football across different eras, I’ve seen how the FIFA World Cup consistently delivers moments that become part of sporting history. I’m thrilled to be part of the expert panel and help viewers understand the stories, tactics, and personalities that shape the tournament. ZEE5’s extensive reach across the country offers a fantastic opportunity to engage with passionate football fans, and I’m excited to be a part of that experience.”

Rajat Ghosh-Dastidar said, “For any football fan, the FIFA World Cup is the ultimate stage. It’s where every goal, every save, and every moment carries extraordinary significance. I’m delighted to be part of the coverage and bring the emotion and excitement of the tournament to fans. Through ZEE5, we’ll be able to share these unforgettable moments with audiences across the country, and I can’t wait for the journey to begin.”

I.M. Vijayan said, “As a former player, I understand the pride and responsibility that comes with representing your country on football’s biggest stage. That’s what makes the FIFA World Cup so special. I’m honoured to join the expert panel and share insights from my experiences in the game while analysing the world’s best teams and players. With ZEE5 bringing fans closer to the action, I look forward to celebrating the beauty of football with audiences everywhere.”

Robin Singh added, “Having represented India and spent years around the game, I know how much football fans cherish the FIFA World Cup. It’s a tournament that showcases excellence, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. I’m excited to join the expert panel and offer insights shaped by my own experiences as a player. With ZEE5 bringing extensive coverage to audiences, I’m looking forward to being part of a platform that brings fans closer to the game they love.”

This is a developing story.. we will add names as they are confirmed…

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