Millions of football fans in China and India are facing uncertainty over whether they will be able to watch the 2026 World Cup, as broadcast rights deals have not yet been finalised between broadcasters and Fifa, the sport’s global governing body.
With the tournament due to begin in just weeks, the delay is highly unusual.
TV rights for events of this size are typically agreed months or even years before the opening ceremony.
Local reporting in both countries suggests that Fifa and broadcasters are still negotiating the price of airing the matches.
Fifa told the BBC that discussions in China and India are “ongoing and must remain confidential at this stage,” and it declined to comment on the figures involved.
Fifa says rights deals for the 2026 World Cup have already been completed in 180 territories worldwide.
However, a small number of countries—including India and China—have yet to secure the right to broadcast the tournament.
Together, the two nations represent about one-third of the world’s population.
In China, reports say Fifa’s first offer to state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) was as high as $300 million (around £220 million).
More recently, the state-controlled Beijing Daily reported that Fifa has reduced its asking price to between $120 million and $150 million—still described as more than double CCTV’s budget for the event.
Beijing Daily also argues that interest in China may be lower than usual because the country has not qualified for the tournament.
It adds that due to the time difference with North America, many major matches would likely be scheduled for early morning hours for Chinese viewers.
The situation contrasts with previous tournaments, when agreements were reached well in advance.
Fifa, for example, announced in November 2017 an exclusive deal with CCTV to broadcast both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
In India, while no agreement has been confirmed publicly, local media this week suggested a deal with an Indian broadcaster may be announced soon.
