Zee wins FIFA World Cup 2026 India rights, secures 8-year broadcast deal until 2034
Indian football fans now have clarity on where they can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Zee Entertainment secured the broadcasting rights for the tournament in India, ending months of uncertainty over the event's availability in one of football's largest global markets.
The agreement was finalised less than two weeks before the tournament begins on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
India had remained one of the last major markets without a confirmed broadcaster as negotiations between FIFA and potential rights holders continued for months.
Zee secures long-term FIFA rights
In addition to the FIFA World Cup 2026, Zee has also acquired rights to 38 other FIFA tournaments and events through 2034, significantly expanding its sports portfolio and ensuring long-term access to international football for Indian audiences.
The broadcaster did not disclose the financial details of the agreement.
However, reports had earlier indicated that FIFA initially sought around 100 million US dollars for the Indian rights package covering the 2026 and 2030 World Cups before reportedly lowering its expectations during negotiations.
The deal guarantees Indian viewers access to the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The expanded format is expected to make the 2026 edition the largest in the tournament's history.
Lengthy negotiations reach conclusion
The broadcasting rights attracted interest from several major media companies.
Industry reports suggested that JioStar, the Reliance-Disney joint venture, had submitted an offer for the rights package.
JioStar's predecessor, Viacom18, had broadcast the 2022 FIFA World Cup in India. However, the reported bid did not lead to an agreement with FIFA.
Sony, which previously held Indian broadcasting rights for the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, also reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring the package.
Discussions took place, but no final bid materialised.
The conclusion of the negotiations removes uncertainty for millions of football supporters who had been awaiting confirmation of how the tournament would be available in India.
Zee expands sports presence with new channels
Alongside the FIFA rights announcement, Zee unveiled four dedicated sports channels as part of its strategy to strengthen its sports broadcasting business.
The new channels include Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD.
According to the company, the channels have been launched to support the delivery of major sporting events and enhance the viewing experience for audiences across the country.
Major boost for football coverage in India
The acquisition represents one of Zee's most significant sports investments and places the broadcaster at the centre of FIFA's global football calendar over the next eight years.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 now just days away, the agreement ensures uninterrupted access for Indian viewers to football's biggest international tournament while also providing long-term coverage of a wide range of FIFA competitions through 2034.
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