Fifa agree late World Cup broadcasting deal with India’s Zee Entertainment
Fifa has secured a last-minute broadcasting agreement with Zee Entertainment to show the 2026 World Cup in India just ten days before the tournament begins.
The late resolution avoids a potential television blackout in one of the final major global markets where rights remained unsold.
World football’s governing body had originally struggled to find a buyer willing to meet an initial asking price of around $100m.
That financial demand was eventually slashed to $60m following months of difficult negotiations.
A complex broadcast market
Networks were hesitant to commit significant funds because the time difference means most matches will be screened late at night for Indian audiences.
The previous tournament in Qatar was played in much more favourable time zones, with Viacom18 paying roughly $60m for those rights in 2022.
JioStar, the dominant domestic sports broadcaster, reportedly offered just $20m for the upcoming competition before being rejected.
Sony, who broadcast both the 2014 and 2018 editions, held preliminary discussions but ultimately chose not to bid.
Long-term television commitment
This new partnership provides the successful network with a crucial entry point into India’s highly competitive sports sector.
Investors reacted positively to the announcement, with shares in the media company rising by approximately seven percent.
A joint statement confirmed the comprehensive package extends well beyond the imminent men’s tournament in North America.
The eight-year deal encompasses 39 events up to 2034, including the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Expanding the global stage
The Indian national team will not feature in the upcoming showpiece, despite the competition expanding to 48 teams for the first time.
Action gets under way across the United States, Canada and Mexico on 11 June when the Mexican co-hosts face South Africa.
More than 100 matches will be played over five-and-a-half weeks of action.
The expanded tournament will conclude with the final in New Jersey on 19 July.