FIFA set to finalise 2026 World Cup broadcast deal in India: Report
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Zee emerges as frontrunners in race to broadcast the next two editions of the FIFA World Cup.
The biggest sporting event in the history of mankind is less than three weeks away. However, the world’s most populous country, India, is yet to find broadcasters to telecast the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Despite India never qualifying for the FIFA World Cup since 1950, it serves as one of the largest football-consuming nations in the world. Indians have a reported football fanbase of over 130 million fans.
From the Manchester derby to El Clasico, European club football is a hot commodity in India. Even continental tournaments like the Euros, Copa America and AFCON command a massive audience.
Footballing icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar have a massive fanbase in India. Given their selection to their respective squads in what could be their last dance, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is all set to draw massive viewership in India.
In this article, we find out which platform will broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India.
FIFA held talks with executives from Jio and Zee
FIFA initially valued the broadcasting deal in India at close to 100M USD. However, after reluctance from several big broadcasting houses, the deal was massively lowered down close to 35M USD.
Fancode, which broadcasts the Indian Super League, LaLiga and Saudi Pro League alongside Sony Liv, which broadcasts the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, did not even enter the race.
In the 2022 Qatar edition, Jio Hotstar aired the tournament, and the deal was valued at 60M USD. However, Jio suffered massively to recover even half the investment through advertising revenues. This time around, Jio is said to have re-evaluated the deal and have been adamant about closing it at 20M USD.
A newer entrant, ZEE, entered the broadcasting race. It is reportedly said to have finalised terms with FIFA and closed the deal at around 35M USD.
Zee are making a return to broadcasting sports. In the earlier days, Zee Sports broadcast the Santosh Trophy and the I-League. They even acquired Ten Sports Network before it was further sold to Sony Media. After a halt, they are now back to broadcasting sports.
World Cup 2026 games are scheduled at odd hours for fans in India
Another reason why Indian broadcasters were hesitant to spend so much on the broadcasting deal is due to the odd-hour matches in India. The matches played in the USA, Mexico, and Canada will be telecast at odd hours like 3:30 AM IST and 5:30 AM IST.
The cost per thousand impressions declines massively as the games are scheduled very early in the morning. It becomes even more difficult for broadcasters to recover investments through advertisements due to low CPM during non-prime hours.
Who are the hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2026?
USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Who will broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India?
Zee are the frontrunners.
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.