India's 2026 FIFA World Cup Broadcast Rights Still Unsold as Deadline Looms
Football fans in India may struggle to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup live on TV or online. The broadcast rights remain unsold, raising concerns as the tournament approaches. Negotiations between FIFA and potential broadcasters have so far failed to reach an agreement. FIFA is demanding around $100 million for the rights to air the 2026 World Cup in India. However, JioHotstar, the leading contender, has offered only about $20 million. The large gap in pricing has stalled talks, leaving the deal unresolved.
In the past, World Cup broadcast agreements were finalised much earlier, giving fans ample time to prepare. This time, delays have left uncertainty over how viewers will access the matches. Sony Pictures Networks had initially shown interest but later pulled out, citing poor expected returns.
The late-night timing of the 2026 tournament in India could further reduce viewership and advertiser interest. A slow ad market and cautious spending by media companies have also lowered the perceived value of the rights. Despite these challenges, industry experts believe a last-minute deal remains possible.
India and China are now the only major countries without a confirmed broadcaster for the 2026 World Cup. If no agreement is reached soon, millions of fans may miss watching the event live. The unresolved rights issue puts India at risk of being left without official coverage of the 2026 World Cup. Fans and broadcasters alike are waiting for a breakthrough in negotiations. Without a deal, alternative viewing options may be limited or unavailable.
