Mumbai: After months of uncertainty over how Indian audiences would watch the FIFA World Cup 2026, FIFA has finally reached an agreement with Zee Entertainment to broadcast the tournament in India.
The deal comes just days before the World Cup kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. With the agreement now in place, Indian football fans will have access to live coverage of the sport’s biggest global event. Reports suggest the partnership is not limited to the 2026 tournament alone and includes rights to several FIFA events through 2034, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
The rights had remained unsold in India for months, leading to speculation about whether the tournament would have a broadcaster in one of the world’s largest television markets. Industry reports indicated that negotiations faced challenges over pricing and the late-night match timings for Indian viewers due to the North American venues.
For Zee Entertainment, the agreement marks a significant return to the sports broadcasting space. The company has recently been expanding its sports portfolio and sees football as an opportunity to attract a younger and more diverse audience. Market analysts believe the acquisition could strengthen Zee’s presence in a sector currently dominated by larger rivals.
The announcement also received a positive response from investors, with Zee’s shares gaining momentum after the news became public.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be historic in its own right, featuring an expanded format with 48 teams for the first time. For Indian football followers, the broadcast deal ensures they will not miss out on one of the most anticipated sporting events in the world.
