Indian football fans can finally relax. Just days before the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEE) has secured the exclusive broadcast and streaming rights for the tournament in India. The deal ends months of uncertainty and ensures fans across the country will be able to watch every major FIFA event over the coming years.
Zee Secures FIFA Rights Until 2034
Zee has acquired multi-platform rights for 39 FIFA events from 2026 to 2034. The agreement includes some of football’s biggest tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, FIFA World Cup 2030, and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. The package also covers FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups, Futsal World Cups, and other FIFA content and documentaries.
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FIFA World Cup 2026: Where to Watch in India
Fans can watch matches on Zee’s newly launched sports channels under the Unite8 Sports network. All matches will also be streamed live on the ZEE5 app.
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Deal Value Estimated at ₹250–290 Crore
The financial details of the agreement have not been officially disclosed. However, industry estimates suggest the deal is worth around $30 million to $35 million, or approximately ₹250–290 crore. Reports indicate FIFA had initially aimed for a much higher valuation.
Why the Deal Took So Long
The agreement faced delays because several broadcasters were cautious about the tournament schedule. Since the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, many matches will take place late at night or early morning in India. This raised concerns about television ratings and advertising revenue. As negotiations stalled, Zee stepped in and secured the rights, marking a major move into the sports broadcasting business.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Starts on June 11
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will kick off on June 11 and will feature 104 matches. With the broadcast deal now confirmed, Indian football fans can look forward to watching the world’s biggest football tournament without any uncertainty.
Indrani Priyadarshini is a journalist and editorial professional specialising in technology, artificial intelligence, smart cities, green energy, and digital transformation. With over four years of experience in tech journalism and digital media, she is known for turning complex industry developments into clear, engaging, and insightful stories. Her expertise spans reporting, editorial strategy, digital publishing workflows, and in-depth coverage of emerging technologies shaping the future. She has also conducted high-profile interviews and podcasts with industry leaders, bringing sharp analysis and accessible storytelling to a wide audience.
