FIFA Secures 2026 World Cup Broadcast Deals in 175 Territories
FIFA has not signed broadcast agreements for the 2026 World Cup in India or China, with discussions ongoing. The tournament begins on June 11, and the absence of deals is unusual at this stage. China drove nearly half of global digital viewing hours in 2022.
Andre Starkloff / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)Millions of football fans in India and China may miss the FIFA World Cup 2026, which kicks off on June 11, as no broadcast deals have been signed in either country. Discussions on the sale of media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are ongoing in China and India, FIFA stated.
The global governing body for football has concluded agreements with broadcasters in at least 175 territories globally for the 2026 World Cup.
In India, a Reliance-Disney joint venture offered $20 million for 2026 World Cup broadcast rights, according to two sources. Sony held talks but decided not to make an offer for FIFA 2026 World Cup rights in India, a third source with direct knowledge stated.
There has been no deal announcement for 2026 World Cup broadcast rights in China. 8 percent of all hours of viewing on digital and social platforms globally during the 2022 World Cup, FIFA said. The lack of confirmed broadcast agreements in India and China is unusual at this stage.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV secured the rights for the 2018 World Cup well in advance. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV began airing promotional content and sponsor-driven advertisements weeks before the 2018 World Cup.
The New York/New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026 logo was revealed during a kickoff event in Times Square in New York in May 2023.
Articles on the broadcast rights situation were published on May 5, 2026, by Al Jazeera and Japan Times.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-05-05
Articles on the 2026 World Cup broadcast rights situation in India and China were published by Al Jazeera and Japan Times.
1 sourceFact 15 - 2026-06-11
The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off.
1 sourceFact 4 - 2023-05
The New York/New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026 logo was revealed during a kickoff event in Times Square in New York.
1 sourceFact 14 - 2022
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV secured the rights for the 2022 World Cup well in advance and began airing promotional content and sponsor-driven advertisements weeks before the tournament.
1 sourceFacts 11 and 13 - 2018
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV secured the rights for the 2018 World Cup well in advance and began airing promotional content and sponsor-driven advertisements weeks before the tournament.
1 sourceFacts 10 and 12
Potential Impact
- 01
Millions of fans in India and China may be unable to watch the 2026 World Cup legally through official broadcasts.
- 02
FIFA could face reduced global streaming reach, given China's 49.8% share of digital viewing in 2022.
- 03
Broadcasters in India and China may miss out on advertising revenue if deals are not finalized before June 11.
- 04
Ongoing discussions could lead to last-minute agreements, allowing setup of broadcast infrastructure.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
espn.comTrump-Backed Challengers Win Five of Seven Indiana Senate Primaries Against Redistricting Opponents
In Indiana's primary elections, at least five Trump-backed candidates ousted Republican state senators who had voted against redrawing congressional maps. The results underscore President Trump's influence within the GOP amid broader redistricting efforts following a Supreme Cour…
america.cgtn.comASEAN Leaders Hold 48th Summit in Cebu to Address Global Energy and Food Disruptions
The 48th ASEAN Summit opens in Cebu province, Philippines, with more than 20,000 delegates from 11 member countries gathering from May 6 to 8, 2026. Leaders will focus on energy security, food stability, and migrant worker welfare amid the United States and Israel's war on Iran.…
espn.comNBA Issues $50,000 Fine to Jaylen Brown for Post-Game Criticism of Officials After Celtics' Playoff Exit
The NBA fined Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown $50,000 on Tuesday for comments criticizing referees during a live stream after his team's first-round playoff elimination. Brown accused officials of bias in calling offensive fouls against him and targeted Philadelphia 76ers cen…