2 min readUpdated: Jun 1, 2026 03:26 PM IST
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has finally got an official broadcaster in India just over a week before the start of the tournament. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. said on Monday that it has reached a deal with FIFA, football’s global governing body, in which it will broadcast “39 global football events”, including the World Cup this year, the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2030 FIFA World Cup as well.
The matches will be shown on its newly launched Unite8 Sports channels – Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD, and will be streamed on Zee5. The deal is believed to be valued at around USD 35 million, although there is no mention of the amount in Zee’s official statement.
“The Indian market is of strategic importance for FIFA as it displays immense potential driven by a young and passionate audience. We believe the extensive broadcast and digital distribution ecosystem of ‘Z’ coupled with their deep understanding of local viewers and multi-platform capabilities will play a pivotal role in expanding the reach of football with fans across every part of India,” FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai is quoted as saying in the statement.
More to come…