World Cup Broadcast Rights Remain Unsecured for Fans in China and India
Millions of football enthusiasts across China and India face the prospect of missing the forthcoming World Cup, with broadcast rights yet to be secured in these two populous nations. This predicament is unusual for an event of such global magnitude, as television rights agreements are typically concluded many months, if not years, in advance of the opening ceremony.
Local media outlets in both territories indicate that FIFA and potential broadcasters are engaged in protracted negotiations concerning the cost of airing the matches. FIFA has acknowledged that discussions in China and India are “ongoing and must remain confidential at this stage,” declining to comment on specific financial figures.
While FIFA reports that 180 territories have finalised broadcast agreements, a small number, including India and China—which collectively represent approximately a third of the world’s population—have not yet confirmed their rights for the 2026 World Cup.
China's Broadcast Impasse
Initial reports suggested FIFA’s offer to China Central Television (CCTV) for tournament rights was as high as $300 million. State-controlled publication, Beijing Daily, now indicates a revised price range of $120 million to $150 million. However, this figure reportedly still more than doubles CCTV’s allocated budget for the event.
The Beijing Daily also cited China's failure to qualify for the tournament as a factor potentially dampening domestic interest, alongside the significant time difference with North America, which would mean many high-profile matches airing in the early morning hours for Chinese viewers. Previous World Cup broadcast deals between China and FIFA were concluded much earlier, with an exclusive agreement for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments announced in November 2017.
In India, despite the absence of a definitive agreement, local media this week reported that a deal between FIFA and an Indian broadcaster is anticipated to be announced imminently.
