Sports

Why has FIFA not signed a World Cup broadcast deal in India?

FIFA has yet to secure a broadcast deal for the World Cup in India, raising questions about viewership and market challenges.

Sports desk
NRI HeraldMay 19, 2026
3 min read
Why has FIFA not signed a World Cup broadcast deal in India?

FIFA has not signed a World Cup broadcast deal in India, a country with a massive sports audience. The delay has sparked speculation about the reasons behind the hold-up.

The absence of a deal means Indian fans may not have official access to World Cup matches, potentially affecting viewership numbers. FIFA typically seeks lucrative broadcast agreements, but negotiations in India have stalled.

Factors such as high rights fees, competition from cricket, and market dynamics could be influencing the lack of an agreement. India's sports broadcasting landscape is dominated by cricket, making it harder for football to secure premium deals.

Without a broadcast partner, FIFA risks losing a significant audience in one of the world's most populous nations. The organization has not commented on the status of negotiations or when a deal might be finalized.

Sports desk · May 19, 2026
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