Millions of football fans in India and China face an uncertain broadcast future for the 2026 World Cup. With just weeks to go, broadcasters in both nations have yet to finalize TV rights deals with FIFA, a highly unusual situation for an event of this magnitude. Such agreements are typically settled months, if not years, in advance.
Local media reports indicate FIFA and broadcasters are still wrestling over the price tag. FIFA's initial offer to state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) was reportedly as high as $300 million. That figure has since been lowered to between $120 million and $150 million, according to state-run newspaper Beijing Daily. However, that is still more than double CCTV's budget for the event. The paper also cited China's failure to qualify for the tournament and the unfavorable time difference with North America as factors dampening interest.
FIFA confirmed to the BBC that talks in both China and India are ongoing and must remain confidential. While 180 territories have completed broadcast deals, India and China-home to roughly a third of the world's population-remain unsigned. Deals were struck far earlier for recent tournaments; FIFA announced an exclusive agreement with CCTV for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups back in November 2017. Indian media now suggests a deal may be announced soon.