Millions Could Be Unable To Watch World Cup Amid FIFA Deal Crisis
Summary
FIFA has not yet finalized a deal to broadcast the 2026 World Cup in India, putting millions of soccer fans at risk of missing the matches. With just weeks before the tournament starts, talks continue between FIFA and Indian media companies, but an agreement is still uncertain.Key Facts
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
- FIFA has agreements with broadcasters in over 180 countries but not yet in India.
- India has about 85 million soccer fans, but cricket remains much more popular.
- The biggest Indian media companies involved are Reliance-Disney and Sony, but no TV rights deal has been finalized.
- Reliance-Disney offered $20 million for the rights, below FIFA’s asking price.
- A similar TV rights dispute in China was resolved with a record deal.
- The World Cup starts on June 11, 2026, and ends July 19, 2026.
- Ticket sales and hotel bookings for the tournament have been lower than expected.
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