Negotiations for the broadcast rights of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India have reached completion, according to Shaji Prabhakaran, the former General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). An official announcement regarding the broadcasting partner is anticipated next week, promising football fans in India that they will have access to the tournament.

Announcement from Shaji Prabhakaran

On May 23, 2026, Prabhakaran took to social media platform X to share the news, stating, "BIG NEWS FOR INDIAN FOOTBALL FANS! The wait is finally over. Negotiations are complete, and the official announcement for the FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasting partner in India is expected next week! After months of uncertainty, fans can finally relax, the World Cup will be fully accessible in India. Get ready for the biggest World Cup in history!"

Legal Developments and Broadcast Concerns

The announcement comes in the wake of a petition filed in the Delhi High Court, which sought to ensure that the FIFA World Cup is broadcast in India, particularly on free-to-air platforms like Doordarshan and DD Sports. The court issued a notice to the Centre and Prasar Bharati, highlighting the urgency of the matter. The petition pointed out that, despite the tournament being scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, no broadcaster had secured the media rights as of the petition's filing.

This situation raised concerns that millions of football fans in India could be deprived of viewing the prestigious event. With the negotiations now complete, the focus shifts to the forthcoming official announcement that will clarify how fans can access the World Cup coverage.