FIFA has reached broadcasting agreements with 175 countries, but two of the most populous nations are missing.
Fans in China and India, whose combined population hits a staggering 2.88 billion people, might have no way of watching the 2026 World Cup this summer due to broadcasting rights disputes.across the globe.
Extreme time differences ensure matches in North America kick off in the middle of the night for countries like Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia, among others. Still, supporters in those countries can at least set alarms to catch all the action. Those in China and India, though, currently will not have that option for the showpiece event. , India is at an impasse with FIFA over broadcasting rights, while China has yet to make any progress toward a deal.
With theThe 2026 World Cup consists of an expanded 104 matches for fans to watch. | Cheng Xin/Getty Images FIFA already has broadcast agreements with 175 countries locked in ahead of the World Cup. FOX Sports holds the rights in the U.S., while BBC Sport and ITV share the honor in the U.K. In Australia, SBS is the home of the tournament, as is Match TV in Russia.
, a Reliance-Disney joint venture offered $20 million for World Cup rights, but FIFA, who initially sought $100 million, struck down the bid. Now, the governing body reportedly dropped its asking price to $60 million, the same amount Reliance secured the broadcasting rights for the 2022 World Cup. While negotiations stall in India, little appear to be taking place in China.
For the last two World Cups, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV secured the exclusive broadcasting rights and had promotional content and sponsorships in place well in advance.regarding the lack of progress in both India and China: “Discussions in China and India regarding the sale of media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are ongoing and must remain confidential at this stage. ” It goes without saying that FIFA will likely prioritize getting deals across the finish line for both countries in the build-up to this summer’s competition.
After all, the governing body confirmed China accounted for 49.8% of all viewing hours on digital and social platforms during the 2022 World Cup. In terms of television audiences, China accounted for 17.7% and India 2.9%, combining for 22.6% of total global reach for the Qatar edition of the competition. Whatever deals might happen, they must happen rather quickly, considering the World Cup kicks off on June 11.
There is not much time for back-and-forth negotiations, finalizing deals, selling advertisements and more before all the action unfolds. Amanda Langell is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer and editor. Born and raised in New York City, her first loves were the Yankees, the Rangers and Broadway before Real Madrid took over her life.
Had it not been for her brother’s obsession with Cristiano Ronaldo, she would have never lived through so many magical Champions League nights 3,600 miles away from the Bernabéu. When she’s not consumed by Spanish and European soccer, she’s traveling, reading or losing her voice at a concert.
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