FIFA poised to sell 2026 World Cup India broadcast rights for $30–35m after long talks

FIFA is close to finalising a broadcast deal for the 2026 men’s World Cup in India after months of negotiations that left one of football’s biggest television markets without a confirmed partner less than six weeks before kickoff. Indian media reports published on May 23 said the governing body was nearing an agreement worth about $30 million to $35 million, with an official announcement expected next week. Indian Express reported Zee had emerged as a strong contender alongside JioHotstar, the incumbent from the 2022 tournament. NDTV reported the Indian market remained important to FIFA despite the national team’s weak competitive standing. ### Why did the talks drag so close to the tournament? FIFA launched the India subcontinent tender in July 2025 for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups, but broadcasters stayed away from its initial price expectations, according to New Indian Express and Firstpost. New Indian Express reported FIFA had looked for about $100 million for the next two tournaments before later pursuing a much lower figure. Firstpost, citing earlier reports, said FIFA had cut expectations to around $35 million after limited interest. (sports.ndtv.com) The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11 in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and Indian Express reported last week that India and China still had no confirmed broadcast deals as prospective bidders held out on price. That delay raised the prospect that viewers in two of Asia’s largest markets would head into the final month before the tournament without clarity on where matches would air. (newindianexpress.com) ### Where did the valuation gap sit? Indian Express reported JioHotstar stuck to a valuation of about $20 million while FIFA sought a figure closer to $35 million in the latest round of talks. NDTV and Business Standard both placed the likely final deal range at $30 million to $35 million, suggesting the eventual agreement could land between the seller’s target and the incumbent bidder’s position. (indianexpress.com) April reporting from Indian Express said broadcasters were wary of late-night kickoffs in North America and weaker advertising potential than cricket, factors that weighed on rights pricing in India. That report said JioHotstar had already committed heavily to cricket rights and faced another major auction cycle in 2027. (indianexpress.com) ### Why is Zee’s role getting attention? Zee emerged in the latest reports as the possible disruptor in a process that had largely been framed around JioHotstar. Indian Express said Zee had become a strong contender, while Firstpost said a “new entrant” was close to securing rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. Times of India, cited in the source briefing, said Zee’s push would mark a sports-broadcasting re-entry. (indianexpress.com) The India package matters because it typically combines linear television and digital access, making the winner relevant not only to football viewers but also to advertisers and streaming strategy. New Indian Express reported former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia and Football Sports Development Limited chief executive Anwarul Hoda had pressed for a widely accessible arrangement, while Kalyan Chaubey and M. Satyanarayan later said fans would be able to watch the tournament in India. (indianexpress.com) ### How unusual was this uncertainty? China resolved its own blackout risk earlier this month when state broadcaster CCTV secured a multi-year FIFA deal covering the 2026 and 2030 World Cups, according to NDTV. That left India as one of the last major unresolved markets in Asia as the tournament approached. (newindianexpress.com) A Delhi High Court case also added pressure in India. NDTV and Firstpost reported that Prasar Bharati told the court it was not responsible for acquiring the rights, after a legal petition highlighted the absence of a domestic broadcaster. ### What happens next week? Indian Express reported on May 23 that FIFA was expected to announce the India broadcast partner next week. (sports.ndtv.com) New Indian Express separately reported that negotiations were complete and that the official confirmation was due in the same timeframe. If that timeline holds, the next step is a formal award naming the India rights holder for the June 11 opening of the 2026 World Cup, with Zee and JioHotstar the main companies identified in current reporting. (sports.ndtv.com) (indianexpress.com)