Zee Entertainment Enterprises has officially secured the Indian television and streaming rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending months of uncertainty over how Indian fans would watch football’s biggest tournament. The agreement was announced on June 1 and covers not only the 2026 World Cup but a broader package of 39 FIFA events through 2034.
Indian viewers will be able to watch the tournament on Zee’s television sports network and through the streaming platform ZEE5. Zee has also announced new sports channels under its Unite8 Sports brand to support the coverage.
Rights include the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2030 FIFA World Cup, 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and other FIFA competitions through 2034.
The deal was finalized only days before the World Cup kicks off on June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Reports indicate FIFA significantly reduced its asking price during negotiations after struggling to find a broadcaster in India. Earlier expectations were reportedly around $100 million, later reduced, with Zee eventually emerging as the successful bidder.
Other broadcasters including JioStar and Sony Pictures Networks India were linked to the rights process, but Zee ultimately secured the package.
For Indian football fans, the announcement finally confirms that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be available both on television and online streaming in India.