New Delhi: It’s official now, 2026 FIFA World Cup – and upcoming editions – will be telecast in India on Zee Entertainment Enterprise Limited’s (ZEEL) newly launched Unite8 Sports linear TV channels. The 48-team competition will also be available for live streaming on Zee5. The FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11 and will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada.The company announced that it will broadcast content from the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups, 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and other major FIFA events till 2034, including documentary series, in the Indian market.Apart from the FIFA World Cup (Men’s and Women’s), ‘Z’ will also show the U-17 World Cup, Women’s U-17 World Cup, U-20 World Cup, Women’s U-20 World Cup, Futsal World Cup, Futsal Women’s World Cup and Intercontinental Cup.“We are excited to bring one of the world’s biggest sports spectacles to the Indian audience. Football’s scarcity in terms of regions and demographics, and investments in acquiring media rights and launching dedicated sports channels, reflect our clear belief in its long-term potential,” said Puneet Goenka, CEO, ZEEL.“Our approach has been to invest in properties where we see both current relevance and future growth potential. Our partnership with FIFA will enable us to unlock the true value of the game in line with our sharp focus on growth and profitability, enhancing the excitement of the game for every fan.” He continued. As TimesofIndia.com reported.ZEEL entered the picture after FIFA and Jiostar failed to agree on pricing for current and future tournaments.As ZEEL consolidates its entertainment channels, it has introduced Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD in Hindi, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD in English. With the Bengal Super League, UP Kabaddi League and ILT20 already in their portfolio, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will only strengthen the package. In a media note, the company said the channels will carry football, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling and combat sports.The announcement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcast rights comes less than two weeks before the tournament kicks off with Mexico v South Africa in Mexico City. This game, like others, will start at midnight for the Indian audience. gave The challenging time zone has been a major hurdle behind the lack of interest. The 2022 FIFA World Cup, played in a favorable time zone in Qatar, was acquired by Indian broadcaster Viacom18, now part of JioStar, for $62 million.FIFA was reportedly looking for $100 million from the broadcast rights deal in India but was willing to drop to $60 million. China Media Group, which holds the rights in China, reportedly paid $62 million for the upcoming edition.However, JioStar had reportedly priced the 2026 FIFA World Cup rights at $20 million, which is not acceptable to FIFA.ZEEL had announced its intention to re-enter the sports broadcasting sector last year – eight years after divesting its channels to Colormax Entertainment Pvt Ltd (the corporate name of Sony Pictures Networks India).ZEEL first forayed into sports broadcasting in 2005 with Zee Sports. It expanded by acquiring Ten Sports a year later.
