The FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally here, and football fans across the globe are gearing up for the biggest edition of the tournament in history. For the first time, 48 teams will compete for football's most prestigious prize in a competition that promises more matches, more teams, and more excitement than ever before.
The tournament gets underway on June 12 (IST) and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A total of 104 matches will be played across the three host nations, making it the largest World Cup ever staged.
New Format for 2026
The 2026 edition introduces a revamped format. Instead of eight groups, the competition will feature 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from every group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will qualify for the knockout rounds. This expansion adds a new Round of 32 before the traditional Round of 16, giving more nations a chance to progress deep into the tournament.
Interest in India
While India have not qualified for the World Cup, interest among Indian football fans remains extremely high. Supporters are eager to follow global superstars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Cristiano Ronaldo as they battle for football's biggest honour. One of the biggest questions for fans in India revolved around the tournament's broadcast and streaming rights. After weeks of uncertainty, there is now clarity on how viewers can watch every match live in the country.
How to Watch in India
Here is everything you need to know about watching the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India.
When does the FIFA World Cup 2026 start?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins on June 12 (IST).
How many teams are playing?
A record 48 teams will participate in the tournament, making it the largest World Cup in history.
How many matches will be played?
A total of 104 matches will be played across the tournament.
Which countries are hosting?
The tournament is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What is the new format?
The 48 teams have been divided into 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from every group and the eight best third-placed teams will qualify for the Round of 32.
TV Broadcast in India
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be broadcast on Unite8 Sports network.
- Unite8 Sports 1 (Hindi)
- Unite8 Sports 1 HD (Hindi)
- Unite8 Sports 2 (English)
- Unite8 Sports 2 HD (English)
Live Streaming in India
Fans can watch the live streaming of all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on the Zee5 app across mobile phones, laptops, and smart TVs.
Groups for FIFA World Cup 2026
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Czechia
- Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
- Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
- Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
- Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq
- Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, Uzbekistan
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
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