FIFA is racing to finalize 2026 FIFA World Cup TV rights in China and India, with broadcast deals still unresolved less than a month before the tournament begins on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The delay matters because China and India represent two of the world’s largest sports audiences. Without final agreements, millions of football fans could face uncertainty over where to watch the tournament.
China CCTV Talks Move Forward
Senior FIFA officials are expected to travel to Beijing during the week of Monday, May 11, 2026, for talks with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, according to reports.
The discussions center on pricing. FIFA reportedly first sought about $300 million for China’s rights before cutting the demand by more than half. The revised figure is believed to be between $120 million and $150 million, while CCTV’s earlier comfort level was reportedly closer to $80 million.
Despite the gap, both sides are said to be hopeful of reaching a deal in the second half of May 2026.
India Rights Still Unclear
India’s 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcast rights remain unresolved. Reports suggest JioHotstar has shown interest but is unwilling to go beyond about $20 million for the package.
Indian broadcasters are cautious after the 2022 World Cup reportedly delivered weak commercial returns. The 2026 tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, also brings less favorable match timings for Indian viewers.
The unresolved India deal highlights FIFA’s challenge: balancing global revenue targets with local market realities, audience behavior and advertiser demand.
