Last Updated:
Zee Entertainment will show the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India on Unite8 sports channels and Zee5 online, DD Sports to air select matches including quarters, semis and final.
FIFA World Cup 2026. (Credit: AFP)
The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is almost over, and anticipation among football fans in India has reached unprecedented levels. Across the country, supporters are gearing up to back their favourite teams as the biggest sporting event on the planet gets underway.
For months, there was uncertainty over the tournament’s broadcast arrangements in India, leaving fans unsure where they would be able to watch the action. That uncertainty was finally resolved just days before kick-off, when Zee Entertainment was officially confirmed as the World Cup broadcaster for the Indian market.
The announcement ended weeks of speculation and ensured that one of football’s largest fan bases would have full access to the tournament. Before the deal was finalised, India was among the few major football markets yet to secure a broadcast partner for the competition.
The World Cup agreement is part of a much larger partnership between FIFA and Zee. Under the deal, the broadcaster has acquired rights to 38 additional FIFA tournaments through 2034, significantly strengthening its position in international football coverage for years to come.
To support its expanding sports portfolio, Zee has launched four dedicated sports channels: Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD.
Fans who prefer streaming can watch the World Cup on Sea5. The platform is offering two subscription options — a three-month plan priced at ₹799 and an annual package costing ₹1,699.
DD Sports To Broadcast Select World Cup Matches
Viewers without access to Zee’s television channels or Zee5 will still be able to watch key World Cup matches on DD Sports.
The public broadcaster has confirmed that it will telecast select fixtures during the tournament, beginning with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. The game, scheduled for June 11, will be shown in India at 12:30 AM IST on June 12.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches Available For Free
DD Sports will also broadcast the business end of the tournament. The quarter-finals, scheduled for July 9, 10 and 11, will be available on DD Free Dish, along with both semi-finals on July 14 and 15.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final, set for July 19, will also be telecast live on DD Sports.
About the Author
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for over a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket conten…Read More
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
