Fifa initially sought $100 million for the rights to the 2026 and 2030 World Cups, according to sources who spoke to Reuters. In 2022, Reliance secured Indian rights for about $60 million, announced 14 months before the tournament. The joint venture anticipated lower viewership due to time zone differences and football's niche status compared to cricket, sources said.
Sony discussed Indian rights but opted not to make an offer, a third source with direct knowledge said. 8% of all digital and social platform viewing hours globally during the 2022 World Cup, according to Fifa data. The 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June, leaving five weeks for deals to be finalised, major media reported.
It remains unclear whether broadcast agreements for India or China will be reached in time.