The millions of football fans watching India could not see the 2026 FIFA World Cup because a broadcast deal has not been agreed upon, a few weeks away from the start of the competition.
Officials from FIFA are still in India, hoping to solve their dispute over broadcast rights with bidders due to disagreements regarding media rights values, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to start on 11 June in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
It is reported that the $20 million offer by the Reliance-Disney partnership, India’s top media company for broadcasting rights, fell far below FIFA’s valuation of $100 million, and is now down to around $60 million.
There is great worry due to a lack of time for infrastructure, media coverage, and advertising deals before the competition is due to begin.
FIFA confirmed that discussions are taking place but will not reveal details due to negotiations, and that Sony has rejected a bid from FIFA, a prominent Indian broadcaster, who were also reluctant to join the talks and negotiations.
It is estimated that India has about 85 million football fans, and despite cricket being the number one sport in India, football still has a significant following, according to a 2024 Deloitte and Google report. The opening match of the 2026 World Cup will be held in Mexico City between Mexico and South Africa, and England is to face Croatia on 17 June in Texas under Thomas Tuchel.
