World Cup Broadcast Rights Unresolved In China And India Weeks Before Tournament
Millions of football fans in China and India may be unable to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup as negotiations over broadcast rights remain unresolved just weeks before the tournament begins.
The delay is considered unusual for an event of such global significance, as television rights agreements for the World Cup are typically finalised several months or even years ahead of kickoff.
Reports from local media outlets in both countries indicate that discussions between broadcasters and FIFA have stalled over the cost of acquiring the rights to air the competition.
FIFA confirmed that negotiations are still ongoing in both countries but declined to disclose details about the financial terms involved.
According to the football governing body, broadcast agreements have already been secured in 180 territories worldwide. However, India and China remain among the few major markets yet to complete deals, despite accounting for a significant share of the global population.
In China, state broadcaster China Central Television, popularly known as CCTV, was reportedly offered the rights for as much as $300 million before FIFA later reduced the asking price to between $120 million and $150 million.
Chinese state-owned newspaper Beijing Daily reported that the revised fee still exceeds CCTV’s budget for the tournament. The publication also suggested that local interest in the competition may be lower because China failed to qualify for the World Cup.
The newspaper further noted that the time difference between China and the tournament’s North American host countries could affect viewership, with several high-profile matches expected to air during early morning hours in China.
Previous World Cup broadcast deals between FIFA and CCTV were completed much earlier. In 2017, FIFA announced an exclusive agreement with the broadcaster covering both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
Meanwhile, in India, local media reports suggest that negotiations are progressing and that an agreement with a broadcaster could be announced soon.
