Milhões of fans on Ásia await confirmation on where to watch Copa of Mundo 2026, which will be held between June 11th and July 19th on Estados Unidos, Canadá and México. Índia and China, the two most populous countries on the planet, have not yet reached broadcasting agreements with FIFA. The unusual delay worries fans and audiovisual market analysts, as in previous editions these agreements were finalized months in advance.
Game times represent the main obstacle in negotiations. Most important matches will be broadcast between 0:30 and 3:30 local time on Ásia, drastically reducing the potential audience and commercial interest of broadcasters. Esse challenging scenario directly impacts the financial offers presented by FIFA.
Impasse in negotiations with Índia
JioStar, a joint venture between Reliance and Disney, submitted a bid of US$ 20 million for broadcasting rights on Índia. The amount was significantly below FIFA’s initial expectations, which requested US$100 million for the 2026 and 2030 cycles combined. Fontes close to discussions indicate that football’s highest entity rejected the offer.
Sony also participated in preliminary conversations, but decided not to present a formal proposal. The company’s Executivos cited concerns about profitability given unfavorable game schedules. Especialistas in the Indian market predict that the audience will be restricted to more dedicated fans, making it difficult to attract advertisers in sufficient volume to justify larger investments.
- JioStar offered $20 million for rights to Índia
- FIFA initially requested US$100 million for the 2026 and 2030 cycles
- Sony withdrew from submitting a proposal for the tournament
- Nenhum deal has been announced so far on Índia
Silêncio extended into China
China also did not announce the broadcaster responsible for broadcasting the tournament with 48 teams and 104 games. CCTV, the main Chinese state network, traditionally locks in rights well in advance. The unusual silence just weeks before the opening generates speculation about the negotiations.
Durante to Copa from 2022 on Catar, China accounted for almost 50% of digital and social media viewing hours worldwide, demonstrating the massive interest of the Chinese public. Global Times recalled a 2015 rule that gives CCTV exclusivity to negotiate broadcasting rights for international events. Apesar has a history of high interest, discussions continue without a public outcome.
Situação varied in other Asian markets
Tailândia and Malásia have not yet confirmed full details about the broadcast. Tailândia removed Copa from Mundo from the list of mandatory events on open TV in June of the previous year, but the country’s prime minister assured that fans would not be left without access to the tournament. Na Malásia, the government informed that RTM and Unifi TV will broadcast the event.
Outros Sudeste Asiático countries have already secured broadcasting rights. Indonésia, Singapura, Filipinas and Vietnã are among the nations that have reached deals with FIFA. Essa disparity between larger and smaller markets reflects the different financial capabilities and commercial strategies of regional broadcasters.
Desafios commercials and impact on fans
The delay in negotiations raises concern among fans and analysts. Nas previous editions, agreements on Índia and China were released months in advance, allowing for broad advertising campaigns and adequate promotion of the games. The lack of confirmation harms the planning of broadcasters and advertising agencies.
The tournament co-hosted by Estados Unidos, Canadá and México will open with México against África of Sul on June 11. Chinese and Indian Para, the initial game will fall in early morning times. Algumas matches will have more favorable times, but the big attractions are concentrated in difficult tracks for Asian audiences, reducing the potential for massive audiences.
Contexto history and future prospects
Índia broadcast the 2022 Copa via Jio with higher values than those currently offered. Mudanças in the media market and the high cost of other sports rights such as cricket’s IPL influence Indian broadcasters’ decisions. Na China, CCTV has always been the lead partner, utilizing linear TV and digital platforms to reach hundreds of millions of viewers.
FIFA said discussions with Índia and China are continuing and must remain confidential. Nenhuma of the parties detailed deadlines for concluding the agreements. The market awaits definitions that allow adequate planning of broadcasts and promotion of the tournament in two of the largest football markets in the world.
