ZEE5 is set to deliver comprehensive coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India, featuring a star-studded commentary panel that includes football legends such as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Bhaichung Bhutia, Robin Singh, Paul Masefield, Igor Stimac, Rajat Ghosh-Dastidar, I M Vijayan, and Seema Jaswal, among others, according to a press release.
Multilingual Coverage for Indian Fans
Recognizing India's rapidly growing and deeply passionate football community, ZEE5 will provide an immersive, multilingual viewing experience. Coverage will be available in Hindi, English, Bangla, and Malayalam, ensuring fans across regions can feel every cheer, chant, and goal in a way that resonates deeply.
Star-Studded Lineup of Commentators
Adding to the excitement, a stellar lineup of footballing voices is set to elevate the viewing experience. Indian legends and global experts, including Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Bhaichung Bhutia, Robin Singh, and Paul Masefield, along with seasoned commentators and anchors, will guide fans through every twist and turn of the tournament. From tactical breakdowns to behind-the-scenes stories, the panel promises to deliver insights that deepen the connection between fans and the game.
English Broadcast Team
The English broadcast team features Igor Stimac, Bhaichung Bhutia, Paul Masefield, Ashley Westwood, and Seema Jaswal.
Hindi Broadcast Team
The Hindi panel includes Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Aditi Chauhan, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Manish Batavia, Atish Thukral, Sahil Khattar, Arpit Sharma, and Arjun Pandit. Bilingual Hindi-English coverage will be provided by Robin Singh and Karan Sawhney.
Malayalam and Bangla Broadcast Teams
The Malayalam broadcast team comprises Jo Paul, I M Vijayan, N P Pradeep, Shyju Damodaran, and Shiyas Mohammad. The Bangla coverage will feature Rajat Ghosh-Dastidar, Debjit Ghosh, Arnab Mondal, Pallab Basu-Mallick, and Argha.
Official Statements
Speaking about the announcement, Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer, Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, said, "The FIFA World Cup is one of the world's most premium sporting properties, bringing together billions of fans through a shared passion for football. As we bring the tournament to audiences across India, it was important for us to deliver a viewing experience that is not only world-class but also deeply relevant to Indian fans. Through ZEE5's coverage in English, Hindi, Bangla, and Malayalam, supported by an exceptional line-up of presenters, commentators, and football experts, we aim to make every match more immersive, insightful, and engaging for audiences across the country. For ZEE5 and Unite8, this tournament marks an important milestone in our long-term partnership with FIFA and reflects our commitment to building a more diversified and future-ready sports portfolio."
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu expressed excitement about joining ZEE5's coverage and helping viewers better understand the game's emotional and tactical aspects while celebrating the tournament's ability to unite fans across regions and backgrounds. "For Indian football fans, the FIFA World Cup has always been more than just a tournament; it is an event that inspires generations to dream bigger and connect more deeply with the sport. As someone who has seen the growth of football culture in India up close, I am excited to join ZEE5 and contribute to conversations that bring viewers closer to the emotional and tactical side of the game. What makes the World Cup special is its ability to unite fans across regions, languages, and backgrounds, and I am looking forward to celebrating that passion with audiences throughout the tournament," he said.
Tournament Details
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
