FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast deals stall in India and China negotiations

FIFA Announces Ongoing Discussions Over World Cup Media Rights in India and China

FIFA has confirmed that discussions over the sale of media rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are ongoing in both India and China, but no official decision has been made. The global governing body for football stated that confidentiality must be maintained at this stage.

According to FIFA, agreements have been reached with broadcasters in at least 175 territories worldwide. However, the organization has not concluded a deal with Indian or Chinese broadcasters, which are expected to play a significant role in the tournament’s broadcast.

In previous World Cups, including the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV secured media rights well in advance of the event. This year, however, the deadline for securing a deal is rapidly approaching, with the tournament set to begin on June 11.

FIFA has not provided further details on the status of negotiations or any potential timelines for reaching an agreement. The organization’s statement emphasizes the need for confidentiality regarding ongoing discussions in India and China.

Source: Al Jazeera