FIFA is still without a broadcast partner in India for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as negotiations with local media companies remain unresolved despite the tournament drawing closer.
According to reports, discussions between FIFA and Indian broadcasters have stalled over the valuation of the rights package for the expanded tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A joint venture between Reliance Industries and The Walt Disney Company is reportedly willing to pay around $20 million for the rights — far below FIFA’s original expectations, which were initially believed to be near $100 million before being revised downward.
Meanwhile, Sony Group Corporation is also understood to have stepped away from negotiations after determining the commercial return would not justify the investment.
One of the major concerns for broadcasters is the tournament schedule. With the 2026 World Cup taking place in North America, many matches will air late at night for Indian audiences, creating uncertainty around television ratings and advertising demand in a market still heavily dominated by cricket.
The situation highlights a broader shift in the global sports media industry, where even premium football properties are no longer guaranteed aggressive bidding competition. Rising rights costs, uncertain advertising markets and changing viewer habits are forcing broadcasters to become more selective with major sports investments.
India represented a significant portion of FIFA’s global digital audience during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, making the unresolved rights situation one of the governing body’s most important outstanding commercial issues ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament.