FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcast in India Uncertain Amid Lack of Bidders

New Delhi: With less than two months remaining for the FIFA World Cup 2026, uncertainty looms over its broadcast in India, leaving football fans disappointed.

The crisis stems from the fact that broadcasting rights for the tournament remain unsold in the Indian market. FIFA has so far been unable to secure a television or digital partner, raising concerns over whether Indian audiences will be able to watch the matches live.

The rights sale process, which began around mid-2025, has seen a lukewarm response from Indian broadcasters. FIFA had initially priced the rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups at around $100 million. However, due to lack of interest, the price was reportedly reduced to nearly one-third, yet broadcasters have shown little enthusiasm to enter negotiations.

Industry observers say the muted response has surprised the global sports market, given football’s high commercial value worldwide.

A major factor cited is consolidation in India’s sports media sector, particularly the merger between Star India and Viacom18, which has reduced competition. With fewer rivals, broadcasters are less inclined to invest heavily in acquiring rights.

Additionally, networks have already committed significant budgets to cricket broadcasting, limiting their capacity to spend further on football.

The match timings are also seen as a deterrent. With the tournament being held in North America this year, matches will be telecast late at night or early morning in Indian time, potentially reducing viewership and, in turn, advertising revenue.

Unlike cricket, football offers fewer commercial breaks for advertisements, further impacting its market appeal for broadcasters.

Fans are now hoping for a last-minute deal in the coming weeks. The unprecedented uncertainty has left football enthusiasts in India concerned about missing out on one of the sport’s biggest global events.