ZEE emerges frontrunner for FIFA World Cup rghts in India

"World football"s governing body, FIFA, is close to finalising its India broadcast partner for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, potentially ending months of uncertainty around the telecast of the sport"s biggest event in the country. Zee Entertainment Enterprises has made a formal bid for the rights and recently held discussions with FIFA officials during their visit to India, according to multiple media reports. The deal, estimated to be worth between USD 30–35 million, is expected to ensure comprehensive access to the expanded 2026 World Cup for viewers across the country, with an official announcement likely as early as next week. FIFA has faced challenges in securing a broadcast partner for the Indian market for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After closing a broadcast deal in China, another key Asian market, FIFA officials travelled to India last week to advance discussions for the World Cup rights. According to a report in The Indian Express, FIFA recently met executives from JioHotstar and Zee Entertainment Enterprises, which is looking to re-enter the sports broadcasting space.

While JioHotstar, the broadcaster for the 2022 World Cup, is understood to have maintained its valuation at around $20 million, Zee has emerged as a serious contender after Sony Group Corporation and FanCode opted out of the bidding process. FIFA had initially sought nearly $100 million for the combined media rights to the 2026 and 2030 editions but is understood to have significantly lowered its expectations to around $35 million following subdued interest from broadcasters. Sources indicated that the eventual agreement is likely to cover both the 2026 and 2030 men"s FIFA World Cups. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the tournament"s biggest edition yet.

FIFA has expanded the competition from 32 to 48 teams, taking the total number of matches from 64 to 104, making it the largest and potentially most commercially successful World Cup in history. Despite the Indian national team"s limited success on the global stage, India continues to be a strategically important market for FIFA. The sport"s popularity has surged over the years, fuelled by strong viewership for European leagues and the FIFA World Cup. Traditional football hubs such as Kolkata, Kochi, Goa and Bengaluru continue to draw passionate fan bases, while younger audiences across metro cities are increasingly following international clubs and football stars."