The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin, and football fans across India are eagerly preparing to follow the biggest tournament in world football. After months of uncertainty regarding the tournament’s broadcast partner in the country, Zee Entertainment has officially secured the media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026, ensuring comprehensive television and digital coverage for Indian viewers.
The agreement makes Zee the official broadcaster of the tournament in India and also grants the company rights to 38 additional FIFA competitions through 2034. As part of its expansion into sports broadcasting, the network has launched four dedicated sports channels—Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD.
Fans looking to stream the World Cup online can do so through Zee5. The platform is offering a three-month subscription plan priced at Rs 799 and an annual plan costing Rs 1,699, giving subscribers access to live matches and tournament coverage.
However, football enthusiasts without access to Zee channels or a Zee5 subscription will still be able to enjoy select FIFA World Cup matches free of cost. Public broadcaster DD Sports has confirmed that it will telecast key matches from the tournament on DD Free Dish.
The opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 will be broadcast live on DD Sports, with Indian viewers able to watch the game at 12:30 am on June 12. In addition, the broadcaster will air the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, allowing millions of viewers to follow the decisive stages of the competition without any subscription.
The quarter-finals are scheduled to take place on July 9, 10, and 11, while the semi-finals will be played on July 14 and 15. The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is set for July 19, bringing the month-long football spectacle to a close.
