Zee Entertainment Clinches Deal to Broadcast 2026 FIFA World Cup in India

FIFA has partnered with India's Zee Entertainment to air the 2026 World Cup, concluding negotiations over the tournament's availability in a key market. Despite initial challenges, Zee now has rights to 39 FIFA events through 2034, including the 2027 Women's World Cup.

FIFA has finalized a crucial agreement with Zee Entertainment, granting the network the rights to broadcast the 2026 World Cup in India. This deal resolves a lengthy negotiation period over one of the remaining key markets where broadcast rights were previously unsold. Despite undisclosed financial details, the collaboration marks an important milestone for both entities.

With this agreement, Zee Entertainment steps firmly into India's vibrant sports broadcasting landscape, currently dominated by Reliance-Disney's JioStar, which holds exclusive rights for numerous esteemed leagues including the Indian Premier League and the English Premier League. Remarkably, this announcement comes just ten days before the World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The reaction in the stock market was swift, as Zee's shares soared by approximately 7% following the news. This deal, which encompasses 39 FIFA events over the next eight years, also includes the Women's World Cup in 2027. It signifies a major broadcasting triumph for Zee, charting a path for broader sports entertainment in India.