FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcast in India: Zee Secures Rights, Launches Unite 8 Sports Channels
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Mumbai
- Jun 03, 2026
- 184
The FIFA World Cup (FIFA Official) 2026 live on television through Zee Entertainment's (Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL)newly introduced sports network, Unite 8 Sports, and on the Zee5 streaming platform. The company has officially acquired the Indian media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 along with several other major FIFA tournaments.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The tournament will mark a historic expansion, featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches, making it the largest FIFA World Cup ever organized.
Zee Acquires FIFA World Cup Rights Until 2034
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has announced a long-term agreement with FIFA that includes broadcasting rights for the FIFA Men's World Cup 2026 and 2030, the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, and multiple FIFA competitions through 2034.
The rights package also includes documentary content and special FIFA programming designed for audiences across India, further strengthening Zee's presence in the sports broadcasting industry.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Rights Announcement Comes Days Before Kick-Off
The confirmation of India's FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcaster arrived less than two weeks before the opening match. Industry observers believe that late-night match timings due to the North American time zones reduced interest among broadcasters, as many games will begin after midnight in India.
Multiple FIFA Tournaments to Be Broadcast on Zee Platforms
Apart from the FIFA Men's World Cup and FIFA Women's World Cup, Zee will broadcast several prestigious FIFA competitions, including:
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FIFA Under-17 World Cup
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FIFA Women's Under-17 World Cup
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FIFA Under-20 World Cup
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FIFA Women's Under-20 World Cup
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FIFA Futsal World Cup
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FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup
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FIFA Intercontinental Cup
The addition of these tournaments significantly expands football coverage available to Indian viewers.
According to industry reports, FIFA and JioStar were unable to reach a consensus regarding the valuation of media rights for upcoming FIFA tournaments. The disagreement reportedly opened the door for Zee Entertainment to secure the rights package.
Reports suggest FIFA initially sought nearly $100 million (approximately ₹950 crore) from the Indian market. Although the governing body later reduced its expectations to around $60 million (approximately ₹570 crore), negotiations reportedly remained unsuccessful.
JioStar is believed to have valued the rights package at approximately $20 million (around ₹190 crore), a figure FIFA reportedly considered inadequate.
Zee Launches Four New Sports Channels
As part of its sports expansion strategy, Zee has introduced four dedicated sports channels:
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Unite 8 Sports 1
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Unite 8 Sports 1 HD
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Unite 8 Sports 2
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Unite 8 Sports 2 HD
The channels will provide coverage in both Hindi and English, targeting a broad audience of sports fans across India.
Football, Cricket, Kabaddi and More Sports on Unite 8 Sports
The company has confirmed that the new sports channels will not be limited to football. Viewers can also expect coverage of cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling and combat sports.
Zee already possesses rights to several sporting properties, including the Bengal Super League, UP Kabaddi League and ILT20. The acquisition of FIFA World Cup rights significantly enhances the network's sports portfolio and market position.
Zee Re-Enters Sports Broadcasting After Eight Years
The FIFA World Cup deal marks Zee Entertainment's (ZEE5 Streaming Platform) return to the sports broadcasting sector after nearly eight years. The company had previously exited the segment by selling its sports broadcasting business to Sony Pictures Networks India.
Zee's sports journey began in 2005 with the launch of Zee Sports. The company expanded its footprint in 2006 after acquiring Ten Sports, becoming a major player in India's sports media landscape.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 and several future FIFA tournaments now under its umbrella, Zee is poised to become one of the leading destinations for football coverage in India.
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