Broadcast Rights Dispute May Leave Millions Without World Cup Viewing in India and China

Millions of soccer fans in India and China may miss the World Cup due to unresolved broadcast deals. Reliance-Disney offered $20 million for India, a fraction of FIFA's $100 million ask. No agreement in China either, affecting nearly a quarter of global digital streaming reach from 2022.

Millions of soccer fans across India and China could potentially miss out on viewing the next World Cup, due to stalled discussions over broadcasting rights, sources revealed. In India, Reliance-Disney proposed $20 million to secure rights, significantly less than FIFA's initial demand of $100 million.

Meanwhile, China remains without a confirmed broadcasting partner, despite accounting for significant viewership during the 2022 tournament. Past tournaments had seen Chinese state broadcaster CCTV securing rights well in advance. As of now, neither FIFA nor the major broadcasting network has offered comments.

The urgency to finalize a deal is pressing as the 2026 tournament is set to start on June 11. Without an agreement, there are concerns about missed advertising opportunities and fan engagement in regions crucial to global viewership numbers.