Indian media giant Zee Entertainment has confirmed it is in discussions with FIFA to secure streaming and broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in India.
The announcement comes as negotiations between FIFA and a joint venture involving Reliance Industries and The Walt Disney Company remain stalled, just weeks before the tournament begins on June 11, 2026.
According to reports, FIFA originally sought around $100 million for India’s broadcasting rights covering both the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. However, the football governing body later lowered its expectations to about $60 million. Even at the reduced figure, the amount reportedly remains far above the estimated $20 million offer made by the Reliance-Disney partnership led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani.
Reports also indicate that Sony Group Corporation held discussions regarding the rights but eventually chose not to submit an offer.
FIFA previously stated that it has already finalized broadcasting agreements in more than 180 territories worldwide, showing the massive global demand for World Cup media rights.
Zee Entertainment revealed the FIFA discussions during the launch of its new sports broadcasting portfolio, Unite8 Sports, a move aimed at strengthening the company’s presence in the competitive sports media market.
India continues to be one of football’s fastest-growing audiences despite the country not being a traditional football powerhouse. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, India accounted for nearly 2.9% of the tournament’s global linear television audience, second only to China in total engagement figures.
More than 745 million Indian fans reportedly followed the tournament across television and digital platforms, while nearly 84 million viewers watched matches on television alone — placing India among the top 10 viewing nations worldwide, ahead of football giants like Germany, France, and England.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching rapidly, the battle for India’s broadcasting rights highlights the country’s growing importance in the global football business landscape.
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