In addition to the FIFA World Cup 2026 that kicks-off on 11th June 2026, Zee said it will also be the ultimate destination for the iconic tournament’s centenary year in 2030.
Zee said it has also secured the rights for docu-series on all the tournaments that uncover the grassroot communities, cultural dimensions and competitive spirit of the participating global nations.
Zee also announced the launch of 4 dedicated sports channels namely, Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD.
The investment will enable a multi-fold advantage to FIFA’s flagship global properties, ensuring that the matches not only reach across the length, but also the depth of the Nation. The Company’s digital entertainment platform – Zee 5, will also ensure that football aficionados stay tuned to all the high-octane action, delivering a LIVE immersive viewing experience in a language of their choice, the company said.
“We are excited to bring one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences. Football cuts across regions and demographics, and the investments in garnering the media rights and launching dedicated sports channels, reflect our clear belief in its long-term potential. Our approach has been to invest in properties where we see current relevance and future growth potential,” Punit Goenka, CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, said.
Our partnership with FIFA will enable us to unlock the true value of the sport in line with our sharp focus on growth and profitability, while amplifying the excitement of the game for every fan, he added.
“The FIFA World Cup is the greatest show on earth, and we are glad to partner with ‘Z’ for the first time, to bring this global spectacle to India. The Indian market is of strategic importance for FIFA as it displays immense potential driven by a young and passionate audience,” Romy Gai, FIFA Chief Business Officer, said.
We believe the extensive broadcast and digital distribution ecosystem of ‘Z’ coupled with their deep understanding of local viewers and multi-platform capabilities will play a pivotal role in expanding the reach of football with fans across every part of India, he added.
