Zee Entertainment on Tuesday announced that it is in discussions with FIFA to acquire broadcasting and streaming rights for the World Cup in India. The development comes as the country is still without an official broadcaster despite the tournament being scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026.

The uncertainty around telecast rights had raised concerns among football fans that India, one of the world's largest media markets and home to a massive football audience, could miss out on live access to the tournament.

The announcement coincided with Zee unveiling its new four-channel sports network, signaling a broader push into the sports broadcasting space.

While the company has not disclosed any financial details of its discussions with FIFA, reports suggest the governing body is still seeking a substantial deal for the Indian market.

Previous negotiations with broadcasters have reportedly faced hurdles due to less favourable viewing timings for Indian audiences, as the 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to Reuters, FIFA is aiming to secure around $60 million for the Indian media rights package, though there remains a possibility of a smaller agreement focused solely on the 2026 edition.

Earlier, Sony had also held discussions with FIFA regarding the rights but reportedly did not submit a formal bid.

Zee has also announced four sports channels, Unite8 Sports 1 and Unite8 Sports 1 HD in Hindi, along with Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD in English.

The network plans to air multiple sporting events, including football, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling, and combat sports.

If the talks conclude successfully, Indian viewers could finally have clarity on where they can watch football's biggest event next year.