For Indian football fans, the countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026 has come with an unexpected twist, there may be no transmitter yet. With just weeks to go, the biggest sporting event on the planet is still looking for a home in one of its fastest growing markets.
It’s a special place. Usually promos are already everywhere and fans know exactly where to tune in. All is quiet this time. No confirmed TV partner, no streaming giant locking it in, just a lot of waiting.
At the center of this uncertainty is a deal that didn’t quite pan out. The Reliance-Disney joint venture, which many expected to walk away with the rights, his offer was rejected by FIFA. What followed was a rare standoff between the world’s biggest football body and India’s biggest media players.
And now, with the tournament starting on June 11, the clock is ticking. Quick.
What makes it even more unusual is the scale. FIFA has already concluded broadcasting contracts in more than 175 territories. India, along with China, is one of the few major markets still hanging in the balance, which almost never happens this close to the World Cup.
WHY DID FIFA REJECT THE RELIANCE-DISNEY DEAL?
At its core, this is a mismatch in valuation.
FIFA originally wanted around $100 million for the rights package for India, but later reduced that figure significantly. But even then the broadcasters were not convinced.
The Reliance-Disney joint venture reportedly offered around $20 million. It was too low for FIFA. It didn’t make business sense for broadcasters to go much higher.
The reasons are quite simple. Most of the matches in India will be played from late night to early morning hours (0:30 AM to 7:00 AM IST), which hurts viewership and ad revenue. And in a market still dominated by cricket, investing heavily in football rights remains a calculated risk.
WHO CAN BROADCAST THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP IN INDIA?
It’s still up in the air at this point. There’s no confirmed broadcaster yet, but that doesn’t usually stay unresolved for long, especially with the World Cup so close. Most signs point to a late deal rather than a complete bust, but until something is signed it’s a bit of a waiting game.
Here are the real options that are still in play:
- Reliance-Disney (JioStar): Despite the rejected offer, still in the leading position. A late deal is very possible if the two sides meet somewhere in the middle on valuation.
- Prasar Bharati (Doordarshan): Safety net option. He could hit, especially in marquee games like the semi-finals and finals under mandatory sharing rules.
- Sony Sports Network / ZEE: Both were in discussions at some level, but neither showed strong intent due to high costs and uncertain returns.
- FIFA+: The governing body’s own platform could become a back-up tool if no traditional broadcaster comes forward.
- YouTube: Wild card game. FIFA has already allowed a streaming partnership here and select matches could get on the platform if needed.
One way or another, the World Cup will be available. The only question is whether it will arrive via a major ticket operator or take a completely unexpected route this time.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
May 5, 2026 1:54 PM IST
