It is now official: the 2026 FIFA World Cup and upcoming editions will be broadcast on Zee Entertainment Enterprise Limited's (ZEEL) newly launched Unite8 Sports linear TV channels in India. The 48-team competition will also be available for live streaming on Zee5. The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11 and will be played in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Comprehensive FIFA Coverage
The company announced that it will broadcast the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups, the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, and other key FIFA events up to 2034, including docu-series content in the Indian market. Beyond the men's and women's World Cups, ZEEL will also showcase the U-17 World Cups, Women's U-17 World Cups, U-20 World Cup, Women's U-20 World Cup, Futsal World Cups, Futsal Women's World Cups, and the Intercontinental Cups.
ZEEL CEO's Statement
"We are excited to bring one of the world's biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences. Football cuts across regions and demographics, and the investments in garnering the media rights and launching dedicated sports channels reflect our clear belief in its long-term potential," said ZEEL CEO Punit Goenka. "Our approach has been to invest in properties where we see current relevance and future growth potential. Our partnership with FIFA will enable us to unlock the true value of the sport in line with our sharp focus on growth and profitability, while amplifying the excitement of the game for every fan," he continued.
Background of the Deal
As TimesofIndia.com had reported, ZEEL entered the picture after FIFA and JioStar could not agree on pricing for current and future tournaments. ZEEL folded its entertainment channels and 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 bolster the package. In a media note, the company said the channels will carry football, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling, and combat sports.
Timing and Challenges
The announcement comes less than two weeks before the tournament gets underway with Mexico vs South Africa in Mexico City. Most matches will kick off past midnight for Indian audiences. The challenging time zone has been a major hurdle behind the lack of interest from Indian broadcasters. The 2022 FIFA World Cup, played in Qatar in a favorable time zone, was acquired by Viacom18 (now part of JioStar) for $62 million.
Financial Aspects
FIFA reportedly sought $100 million for the Indian broadcast rights but was willing to drop to $60 million. China Media Group, which secured rights in China, reportedly paid $62 million for the upcoming edition. However, JioStar had valued the 2026 FIFA World Cup rights at $20 million, a figure not agreeable to FIFA.
ZEEL's Return to Sports Broadcasting
ZEEL announced its intention to re-enter the sports broadcasting sector last year, eight years after divesting its channels to Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited (the corporate name for Sony Pictures Networks India). ZEEL first entered sports broadcasting in 2005 with Zee Sports and expanded a year later by acquiring Ten Sports.
