The battle for the Indian broadcast rights of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified after Zee Entertainment confirmed that it is in talks with FIFA to stream and televise the tournament in India.
The development comes at a crucial time, with FIFA yet to finalise a broadcaster for the Indian market just weeks before the tournament begins on June 11. The 2026 edition of the World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will be the first tournament in history to feature 48 teams.
Zee disclosed the negotiations while unveiling its new sports broadcasting initiative, Unite8 Sports, a dedicated portfolio of sports channels aimed at strengthening the company’s sports entertainment offerings in India.
The announcement also highlights the ongoing deadlock between FIFA and the Reliance-Disney joint venture over the value of the media rights package. According to earlier Reuters reports, FIFA had initially sought nearly $100 million for the India rights covering both the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups. The governing body later reduced its expectations but reportedly still wanted no less than around $60 million.
However, the Reliance-Disney combine, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance group, is believed to have offered only around $20 million, creating a major gap in negotiations.
Sony Group Corporation had also explored discussions for the India rights package but reportedly chose not to submit a formal bid.
Despite football not matching cricket’s commercial dominance in India, FIFA sees the country as a significant growth market. India accounted for nearly 2.9 per cent of the global linear television audience during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, underlining the tournament’s growing popularity among Indian viewers.
FIFA has already completed broadcasting agreements across more than 180 territories worldwide, making India one of the few major markets where negotiations are still underway.
Meanwhile, the global football body is also facing pressure off the field ahead of the tournament.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged FIFA to push the United States government to establish what it described as an “ICE Truce” during the tournament. In a report published on Monday, the rights group called on federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations around World Cup venues and fan zones.
The appeal comes amid criticism of the immigration crackdown led by the administration of US President Donald Trump. Rights groups have argued that aggressive immigration enforcement and deportation measures could create fear and uncertainty for fans, workers and minority communities during the event.
HRW urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to use the organisation’s influence to ensure protections for freedom of assembly, speech and safe participation during the World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 across multiple cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.