New Delhi: Big news has emerged for millions of football fans in India. Zee Entertainment has acquired the broadcast and streaming rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India. With this, Indian viewers will be able to enjoy live coverage of the world’s biggest football tournament on Zee’s TV network and digital platforms.

In India, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on TV via ‘Unite 8 Sports’ and on the Zee5 app. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) will also officially broadcast the 2026 World Cup and its upcoming editions. Unite 8 Sports is the company’s new sports channel.

The FIFA World Cup will be played from June 11 to July 19, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches.

Zee will also show Under-17 to Intercontinental Cup

In addition to the men’s and women’s World Cups, Zee will broadcast several other major football tournaments on its platforms. These include the Under-17 World Cup, Women’s Under-17 World Cup, Under-20 World Cup, Women’s Under-20 World Cup, Futsal World Cup, Women’s Futsal World Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup.

This deal is seen as Zee’s major entry into the Indian sports broadcasting market. Until now, other major networks have dominated the broadcast of cricket and other key sports, but securing the rights to a global tournament like FIFA could significantly strengthen Zee’s position.

Football experts believe that the popularity of the FIFA World Cup is steadily increasing in India. Especially among young viewers and on digital platforms, football viewership has grown rapidly. In this context, Zee’s move is seen as a major opportunity for Indian football fans.

FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the 23rd edition of the tournament, marking the first time it will be hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This historic event will also be the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from 32, following a decision by FIFA in 2017. The tournament builds on the rich history of previous World Cups in North America, including Mexico’s 1970 and 1986 events and the U.S. hosting in 1994.

United States

The United States is a large, diverse country in North America, founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain. Its history includes westward expansion, the Civil War over slavery, and its rise as a global superpower through industrialization and immigration. Today, it is known for its cultural influence, democratic institutions, and varied landscapes from coast to coast.

Canada

Canada is a vast North American country known for its stunning natural landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to boreal forests and Arctic tundra. Its history includes Indigenous peoples who lived there for thousands of years, followed by French and British colonization, which shaped its bilingual and multicultural identity. Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 and evolved into a fully independent nation, known today for its peaceful reputation and diverse society.

Mexico

Mexico is a country in North America with a rich history that includes ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs, followed by Spanish colonization starting in the 16th century. Its cultural sites, such as the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the historic center of Mexico City, reflect this blend of indigenous and European influences. Today, Mexico is known for its vibrant traditions, including Día de los Muertos, and its diverse cuisine, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Under-17 World Cup

The FIFA U-17 World Cup is an international association football tournament organized by FIFA for national teams composed of players under the age of 17. First held in 1985 as the FIFA U-16 World Championship, it was renamed and expanded in 1991 to its current format. The tournament serves as a key platform for showcasing emerging football talent, with past winners including Brazil, Nigeria, and Mexico.

Women’s Under-17 World Cup

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is an international youth football tournament organized by FIFA for female players under the age of 17. First held in 2008 in New Zealand, it was established to develop young talent and promote women’s football globally. The tournament has been hosted every two years, with nations like North Korea and Spain achieving multiple titles.

Under-20 World Cup

The FIFA U-20 World Cup is an international men’s football tournament organized by FIFA for national teams composed of players under the age of 20. First held in 1977 as the FIFA World Youth Championship, it was renamed in 2007 and serves as a key platform for emerging football talents to showcase their skills on a global stage. Notable past winners include Argentina, Brazil, and Portugal, with many future stars like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona having participated early in their careers.

Intercontinental Cup

The Intercontinental Cup is a prestigious football competition originally established in 1960 to determine the world’s best club team, contested between the winners of the European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) and the South American Copa Libertadores. It was played annually until 2004, often as a single match hosted in Tokyo, Japan. The tournament was succeeded by the FIFA Club World Cup, which expanded the competition to include champions from other continents.