FIFA’s 2026 World Cup broadcast standoff in China and India ramps up
Global viewership hinges on deals with Chinese and Indian broadcasters as FIFA pushes for the most-watched World Cup in U.S. history.
viewership records. The standoff risks throttling the event’s global reach, particularly in two of the world’s most populous markets. Behind the scenes, FIFA’s revenue projections and the tournament’s commercial viability hinge on closing these deals before the 2026 kickoff.
Analysts warn that delays could force last-minute scrambles, echoing past fiascos where late broadcast agreements left millions of fans in the dark. S. World Cup ever.
The impasse isn’t just about eyeballs—it’s about money. China and India represent untapped goldmines for FIFA’s broadcast revenue, with billions in potential ad dollars and sponsorships dangling in the balance. Broadcasters in both countries are playing hardball, demanding favorable terms amid fierce competition for rights.
