BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
In a major boost for football broadcasting in India, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has acquired the media rights to 39 FIFA tournaments, including the prestigious FIFA World Cup 2026, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, and FIFA World Cup 2030.
The landmark agreement will see Zee broadcast FIFA competitions in India from 2026 through 2034, significantly strengthening the company’s sports portfolio and expanding its presence in football coverage.
Zee’s FIFA journey will begin on June 11, 2026, when the FIFA World Cup kicks off across United States, Mexico and Canada.
Fans will be able to follow the action through Zee’s newly launched Unite8 Sports Network as well as on the streaming platform ZEE5. Coverage will include live matches, highlights, expert analysis, special programming, and exclusive FIFA documentary content throughout the rights cycle.
The acquisition marks one of the biggest football broadcasting deals in India in recent years and reflects Zee’s growing confidence in the sport’s long-term popularity and commercial value.
Speaking on the development, ZEEL Chief Executive Officer Punit Goenka said the company is excited to bring some of the world’s biggest sporting events to Indian audiences.
He noted that football continues to attract viewers across different regions and demographics, making it a strong investment for the future. According to Goenka, the acquisition of FIFA rights and the launch of dedicated sports channels demonstrate Zee’s belief in the sport’s growth potential in India.
The move comes at a time when football viewership in India has experienced significant growth, driven by increasing interest in international tournaments, European club football, and digital streaming platforms.
Earlier this year, Zee launched four dedicated sports channels under its Unite8 brand:
- Unite8 Sports 1 (Hindi)
- Unite8 Sports 1 HD (Hindi)
- Unite8 Sports 2 (English)
- Unite8 Sports 2 HD (English)
These channels will serve as the primary destination for FIFA competitions in India over the next eight years, offering extensive coverage of global football events.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to begin shortly, Zee’s acquisition positions the company as a major player in sports broadcasting and promises Indian football fans unprecedented access to the world’s biggest football tournaments.
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