With kickoff just weeks away, the FIFA World Cup 2026 faces an unusual uncertainty in India – where will fans watch it? The absence of a confirmed broadcaster has opened the door to an unexpected possibility: a return to public television through Doordarshan.

At a time when global rights deals are typically locked in months in advance, India remains one of the few major markets without clarity – turning what is usually a commercial formality into a late-stage scramble.

Why are FIFA World Cup 2026 rights still unsold in India?

The delay stems from a valuation gap between FIFA and Indian broadcasters.

• FIFA initially priced India’s rights package at around $100 million
• That figure was reportedly reduced to nearly $35 million
• Broadcasters, however, have stayed closer to the $20 million mark

At the centre of negotiations is a joint venture between Reliance Industries and The Walt Disney Company, widely seen as the frontrunner. Yet, despite ongoing talks, no agreement has been finalised.

Other players, including Sony Group Corporation and Zee Entertainment Enterprises, have explored the opportunity but remain cautious.

The key issue: Timing and commercial viability

The biggest sticking point isn’t just price – it’s timing.

With the tournament hosted across North America, most matches will be played between 12:30 AM and 7 AM IST. That window significantly impacts:

• Television viewership
• Advertising revenue
• Overall return on investment

In a market where cricket dominates, broadcasters are wary of committing heavily to a product that may not deliver prime-time returns.

Where does Doordarshan come into the picture?

With private negotiations stalled, Prasar Bharati has emerged as a potential fallback option.

Its network, Doordarshan, could step in under mandatory sharing provisions – particularly for marquee matches like semi-finals and the final. If a broader deal is struck, matches could also air on DD Sports, ensuring free-to-air access across the country.

This wouldn’t be unprecedented. Doordarshan has previously broadcast major global events, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, leveraging its unmatched reach across urban and rural India.

Could streaming platforms fill the gap?

In the absence of a traditional TV deal, alternative distribution routes are also being considered.

• FIFA could stream matches via its platform FIFA+
• Digital platforms like YouTube may emerge as supplementary options

However, these would likely complement – not replace – a primary broadcast partner.

Why this situation is unusual

India is one of football’s fastest-growing markets, and broadcast deals for the World Cup are typically secured well in advance.

For context:

• Rights have already been finalised in over 175 territories globally
• Previous World Cups in India had confirmed broadcasters more than a year before kickoff

That makes the current delay – just weeks before June 11 – highly unusual.

Despite the impasse, a resolution is still expected before the tournament begins. The Reliance-Disney combine remains the most likely destination if pricing aligns, but Doordarshan stands as a safety net if negotiations collapse.

This isn’t just a broadcast delay – it reflects a shift in how global sports are valued in regional markets.

• For FIFA, it’s a negotiation over price.
• For broadcasters, it’s a calculation of risk.
• For fans, it’s a question of access.

And if Doordarshan does step in, it could turn a modern rights crisis into something unexpectedly familiar – millions gathering around free television, watching football the old-fashioned way.