FIFA is facing a broadcast rights crisis ahead of the 2026 World Cup as it has yet to finalize deals in India and China, two major markets for the tournament [1]. Despite the World Cup's start date expected next month, there is no confirmed agreement in India, and China has not made an official decision on broadcast rights [1].
On Monday, a Reliance-Disney joint venture offered US$20 million for the Indian broadcast rights, but FIFA reportedly rejected the bid as below its asking price [1]. Sony, another potential bidder in India, held talks but chose not to submit an offer according to a source with direct knowledge [1].
The lack of confirmed broadcast deals in India and China at this stage is considered unusual given both nations’ importance to FIFA’s global audience [1]. India and China together accounted for nearly 25% of the TV and digital streaming reach during the 2022 World Cup, underlining their value to FIFA’s broadcasting strategy [1].
China alone accounted for 49.8% of all hours of viewing on digital and social platforms worldwide during the 2022 tournament, highlighting its significance for FIFA’s media presence [1].
With the tournament fast approaching in May, securing broadcast rights in these key markets remains a critical task for FIFA.
