Zee Entertainment secures Indian media rights for FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and other FIFA events through 2034.
Zee bags FIFA World Cup 2026, 2030 media rights in India; launches four dedicated sports channels (PC: IANS)
Media giant Zee Entertainment Enterprises has secured the Indian media rights for a host of FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA World Cup 2030, while also announcing the launch of four dedicated sports channels to strengthen its sports broadcasting portfolio.
Under the agreement with FIFA, Zee will broadcast major FIFA tournaments in India through its newly launched Unite8 Sports network and stream them live on ZEE5.
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Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has acquired Indian media rights for the #FIFAWorldCup2026, which begins on June 11, with coverage to be available on Zee Sports channels and Zee5. The deal also includes rights for the FIFA World Cup 2030, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027,… pic.twitter.com/W0qeB9vwGj
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The company has unveiled four new channels – Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD, aimed at delivering comprehensive coverage of international football and other sporting events to audiences across the country.
The deal gives Zee rights to a wide range of FIFA properties through 2034, including the FIFA World Cups in 2026 and 2030, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, youth World Cups, futsal tournaments, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and additional FIFA content and documentaries.
As part of the agreement, Indian football fans will be able to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup live across television and digital platforms. The tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The 2026 edition will be the largest FIFA World Cup ever, featuring an expanded 48-team format and a record 104 matches across 16 host cities.
Commenting on the partnership, Punit Goenka said football’s growing popularity across demographics makes it a strategic investment for the company. He added that the FIFA rights and new sports channels reflect Zee’s long-term commitment to building a strong sports business while enhancing the viewing experience for fans.
Romy Gai described India as a key growth market for football, expressing confidence that Zee’s broadcast and digital ecosystem would help expand the sport’s reach and engagement among Indian audiences.
The acquisition marks one of the biggest sports-rights deals in recent years for Zee and positions the network as a major destination for football content in India ahead of the expanded FIFA World Cup era.
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