Recently, FIFA rejected JioStar’s bid for the broadcasting rights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in India, which was estimated at $20 million, or around Rs 165 crore. This decision has sparked considerable concern among Indian soccer fans who were eagerly anticipating the tournament. FIFA’s expectations for the broadcasting rights are significantly higher, with the organization initially aiming for around Rs 950 crore. The rejection of JioStar’s offer underscores the ongoing negotiations and the financial demands that FIFA has set for this globally celebrated event. As it stands, there is no confirmed broadcaster for the matches in India, leaving fans in a state of uncertainty about how they will be able to watch the games.
In the current landscape, there are several potential avenues for broadcasting the World Cup matches in India. JioStar, in partnership with Reliance and Disney, remains a frontrunner and may still negotiate a last-minute deal with FIFA to secure the rights. Meanwhile, Prasar Bharti, which operates Doordarshan, could potentially air only the key matches, providing some coverage but not the full experience that fans desire. Other players in the market, such as Sony Sports and Zee Entertainment, are also in discussions, but they are hesitant to commit due to the hefty financial requirements set by FIFA.
If traditional broadcasting options fall through, there are alternative ways for fans to catch the action. FIFA+, the organization’s own streaming service, could step in to provide live coverage of the matches if no other deals materialize. Additionally, FIFA has a partnership with YouTube, which means that some matches might be available for streaming on that platform as well. This variety of options, while still uncertain, offers a glimmer of hope for soccer enthusiasts in India who are eager to follow the excitement of the 2026 World Cup.
