sports
May 6, 2026
2026 Soccer World Cup's India-China Broadcast in Limbo
FIFA is yet to finalize 2026 World Cup broadcast deals in India and China, raising blackout concerns weeks before the tournament begins
TL;DR
- India and China, with massive populations, face a potential blackout of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Broadcast deals for both nations are still undecided just five weeks before the tournament begins.
- FIFA has finalized deals for 175 territories globally but discussions for India and China are ongoing and confidential.
- In India, a Reliance-Disney venture offered $20 million, significantly less than FIFA's initial asking price of $100 million for 2026 and 2030.
- Sony reportedly declined to make an offer for India's broadcast rights.
- India and China represented a significant portion of digital streaming reach for the 2022 World Cup.
- The Reliance-Disney venture anticipates lower viewership in India due to late-night match times and cricket's dominance.
- FIFA is seeking an amount similar to the reported $60 million paid in 2022 for India's rights.
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