The much-anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to kick off soon, with the 23rd edition of the tournament running from June 11 to July 19. Football fans in India will have comprehensive access to all matches through digital and television platforms.
Digital Streaming on Zee5
Zee5 has secured the digital rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026, enabling fans to live stream all matches on its app and website. The platform will offer commentary in both English and Hindi. However, viewers must purchase a subscription plan to access the live action.
Zee5 Subscription Plans
- All Access + Sports (3 Months): Priced at Rs 799 (Rs 266 per month), this ad-supported plan covers the entire tournament period.
- Premium Annual Plan: Costs Rs 1,699 per year (Rs 142 per month) and includes 4K Ultra HD quality, Dolby Atmos sound, and streaming on up to four devices. It also provides access to the full premium library.
Industry sources suggest that a dedicated World Cup pass may be introduced closer to the start date.
Television Broadcast on Unite8 Sports
For those preferring traditional television, Zee has launched Unite8 Sports channels dedicated to the World Cup. The coverage is spread across four channels: Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD. These channels broadcast matches live with English and Hindi commentary.
Pricing for Unite8 Sports Channels
- Unite8 Sports 1: Rs 7 per month
- Unite8 Sports 1 HD: Rs 9 per month
- Unite8 Sports 2: Rs 9 per month
- Unite8 Sports 2 HD: Rs 11 per month
Taxes are extra, and final costs may vary depending on operator bundles. This pricing makes it affordable for fans to follow the tournament on television.
Opening Fixtures of FIFA World Cup 2026
The group stage kicks off with an exciting lineup of matches. Below are the opening fixtures (in IST):
- June 12, 12:30 AM: Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- June 12, 7:30 AM: South Korea vs Czechia at Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan
- June 13, 12:30 AM: Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina at BMO Field, Toronto
- June 13, 6:30 AM: USA vs Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- June 14, 12:30 AM: Qatar vs Switzerland at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
- June 14, 3:30 AM: Brazil vs Morocco at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
- June 14, 6:30 AM: Haiti vs Scotland at Gillette Stadium, Boston
- June 14, 9:30 AM: Australia vs Turkey at BC Place, Vancouver
- June 14, 10:30 PM: Germany vs Curaçao at NRG Stadium, Houston
- June 15, 1:30 AM: Netherlands vs Japan at AT&T Stadium, Dallas
- June 15, 4:30 AM: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- June 15, 7:30 AM: Sweden vs Tunisia at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey
- June 15, 9:30 PM: Spain vs Cape Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- June 16, 12:30 AM: Belgium vs Egypt at Lumen Field, Seattle
- June 16, 3:30 AM: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- June 16, 6:30 AM: Iran vs New Zealand at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- June 17, 12:30 AM: France vs Senegal at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
These are just the opening matches. The full tournament comprises 104 matches over 39 days, culminating in the final on July 20 (IST) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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