The FIFA World Cup 2026 is all set to capture the imagination of the fans with the supporters in India eagerly waiting for kickoff. The World Cup fever has reached an all time high in various parts of India, with the fans picking their favourite teams to support.
The broadcast of the tournament in the country was under a cloud for a long period, but just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Zee Entertainment was confirmed as the tournament's official broadcaster in India, bringing an end to speculation surrounding the competition's television and streaming home in the country.
Until then, India remained one of the few major football markets where broadcast arrangements for the World Cup had yet to be finalised.
As part of the agreement, Zee has also acquired rights to 38 additional FIFA competitions through 2034, significantly expanding its presence in international football broadcasting over the next decade.
Alongside the rights acquisition, the network unveiled four new sports channels — Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD — as part of its strategy to strengthen and broaden its sports portfolio.
Zee5, Zee's online streaming platform, will be offering the telecast of the World Cup under two plans. Once is for three months at Rs. 799 and one for a year at Rs. 1699.
But what if you don't have access to the Zee channels or Zee5? Well, Doordarshan Sports will have you covered.
DD announced that it will be telecasting select matches during the duration of the tournament on its sports channel.
DD Sports will be telecasting the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, which will be telecasted in India at 12:30 am on June 12.
After this, the quarterfinals, semi-finals and final will be available on DD Free Dish. The quarters are set to be played across July 9, 10 and 11.
The semis will take place on 14 and 15 and the final will take place on July 19.
