Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., under its new brand identity Z, has secured the rights to 39 FIFA competitions between 2026 and 2034, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, FIFA World Cup 2030, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
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Key Details At A Glance
The agreement marks FIFA’s first-ever partnership with Z and represents one of the largest football broadcasting deals in India. Through a combination of dedicated television channels and digital streaming on ZEE5, Indian football fans will gain access to FIFA’s biggest men’s, women’s, youth and futsal tournaments over the next decade.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Broadcaster | Z (Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.) |
| Rights Holder | FIFA |
| Total Events | 39 FIFA competitions |
| Coverage Period | 2026–2034 |
| Marquee Events | FIFA World Cup 2026, FIFA World Cup 2030, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 |
| TV Coverage | Unite8 Sports network |
| Digital Streaming | ZEE5 |
| Territory | India |
FIFA World Cups Headline Historic Agreement
The centrepiece of the partnership is the acquisition of rights to two men’s FIFA World Cups and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The agreement ensures Indian viewers will be able to watch the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2026, followed by the centenary edition of the tournament in 2030.
Alongside those flagship events, the deal also includes a wide range of FIFA competitions across men’s, women’s, youth and futsal football, providing year-round international football coverage rather than just World Cup tournaments.
Major FIFA Events Included
| Competition | Editions Covered |
|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 2026, 2030 |
| FIFA Women’s World Cup | 2027 |
| FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup | 2027, 2029, 2031, 2033 |
| FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup | 2026, 2028, 2030, 2032, 2034 |
| FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup | 2026–2034 |
| FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup | 2026–2034 |
| FIFA Futsal World Cup | 2028, 2032 |
| FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup | 2029, 2033 |
| FIFA Intercontinental Cup | 2026–2030 |
Four New Sports Channels To Drive Coverage
To support its growing sports portfolio, Z has announced the launch of four dedicated sports channels.
Unite8 Sports Network
| Channel | Format |
|---|---|
| Unite8 Sports 1 | SD |
| Unite8 Sports 1 HD | HD |
| Unite8 Sports 2 | SD |
| Unite8 Sports 2 HD | HD |
The broadcaster said these channels will help deliver FIFA competitions to audiences across multiple regions and languages, while also strengthening football’s reach beyond traditional fan bases.
Digital coverage will be available through ZEE5, allowing viewers to follow FIFA tournaments across television, mobile and connected devices.
FIFA Views India As A Strategic Growth Market
FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai described India as a strategically important market due to its young population and growing interest in football.
“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,” Gai said.
FIFA believes Z’s combination of nationwide television distribution, digital reach and local market expertise can help accelerate football’s growth across the country.
Why This Deal Matters For Indian Football Fans
The agreement provides Indian audiences with access to FIFA’s entire football ecosystem rather than only the men’s World Cup.
Fans will be able to follow:
- FIFA World Cups
- Women’s World Cups
- U-17 and U-20 tournaments
- FIFA Intercontinental Cup matches
- Men’s and women’s futsal competitions
The deal also creates a consistent football calendar for Indian viewers, ensuring major FIFA events remain accessible across both television and digital platforms for nearly a decade.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be the largest in history and women’s football continuing to grow globally, the partnership gives Indian fans greater access to elite international football than ever before.
Z’s Long-Term Football Ambition
Z CEO Punit Goenka said the partnership reflects the company’s belief in football’s long-term growth potential in India.
According to Goenka, football transcends regions and demographics, making it one of the most valuable opportunities within India’s evolving sports media landscape.
The company views FIFA’s portfolio as a cornerstone of its sports strategy, combining premium live content with the reach of its television network and the growing digital audience on ZEE5.
What Happens Next?
The partnership begins with FIFA events from 2026 onward, headlined by the FIFA World Cup in North America.
Over the following eight years, Z will broadcast and stream 39 FIFA competitions, establishing itself as one of India’s primary destinations for international football coverage.
For Indian football fans, the agreement means unprecedented access to FIFA tournaments across every level of the game — from youth football and futsal to the sport’s biggest global spectacle, the FIFA World Cup.
FAQs
Which FIFA World Cups are included in the deal?
Z has secured rights to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA World Cup 2030.
Will FIFA Women’s World Cup matches be available?
Yes. The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 is included in the agreement.
How many FIFA events are part of the partnership?
The deal covers 39 FIFA competitions between 2026 and 2034.
Where can fans watch the matches?
FIFA events will be available on the Unite8 Sports channels and streamed digitally on ZEE5.
When does the partnership begin?
The agreement starts with FIFA competitions from 2026 and runs through 2034.
