Indian Fans Wait For FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcast Update

India Telecast Still Unclear

Indian football fans are still waiting to know where they can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026, which begins on June 12. The issue became bigger after Prasar Bharati told the Delhi High Court that it is not responsible for acquiring FIFA World Cup broadcast rights in India. The statement came during a petition seeking free-to-air telecast of important matches through Doordarshan and DD Sports.

Broadcast Rights Deadlock

The delay is mainly linked to the commercial gap between FIFA and Indian broadcasters. According to details mentioned in the plea, FIFA first valued the Indian rights package for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups at nearly USD 100 million. The price was later reportedly reduced to around USD 35 million, while a USD 20 million bid from JioStar was said to have been rejected.

Fans Await Final Deal

Broadcasters are also concerned about late-night and early-morning match timings because the tournament will be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Fans are also waiting to know whether DD Sports or any private broadcaster will finally air the tournament in India. Heavy investment in cricket rights has also made sports networks cautious. Still, fans hope a deal will be finalised before kick-off, as India remains one of the world’s biggest football engagement markets.