The deal includes content such as the FIFA Men’s U-17 World Cup (2026-2034), FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup (2026-2034), FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup (2027, 2029, 2031 and 2033), FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup (2026, 2028, 2030, 2032 and 2034), FIFA Futsal Men’s World Cup (2028 and 2032), FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup (2029 and 2033), FIFA Women’s World Cup (2027) and FIFA Intercontinental Cup (2026-2030). | Photo Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic

Concluding a major tussle in India’s media space, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (‘Z’) on Monday confirmed an 8-year-long deal with Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to showcase key events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030 editions, the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, and other content.

In addition to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ that kicks off on June 11, Z won events up to 2034 along with docu-series content for the Indian market. Until recently, FIFA was in talks with two media players, Z and Jiostar, for the media rights to its events, with the latter offering $20-25 million for the media rights to one FIFA World Cup event. The current deal was closed somewhere between $25-80 million - a figure far below the $100 million hoped by FIFA initially, as per sources.

The deal includes content such as the FIFA Men’s U-17 World Cup (2026-2034), FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup (2026-2034), FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup (2027, 2029, 2031 and 2033), FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup (2026, 2028, 2030, 2032 and 2034), FIFA Futsal Men’s World Cup (2028 and 2032), FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup (2029 and 2033), FIFA Women’s World Cup (2027) and FIFA Intercontinental Cup (2026-2030).

“The Company has emerged as one of the most powerful sports destinations for the youth of our Nation by partnering with Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA),” said Z in a press release.

The partnership announcements comes at the heels of the launch of four dedicated sports channels by Z for a multi-fold advantage to FIFA’s flagship global properties. The content will also be aired on Z’s digital entertainment platform Zee 5 for a live immersive viewing experience in the language of their choice.

“The investments in garnering the media rights and launching dedicated sports channels reflect our clear belief in its long-term potential. Our partnership with FIFA will enable us to unlock the true value of the sport in line with our sharp focus on growth and profitability,” said Punit Goenka, CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.

“The Indian market is of strategic importance for FIFA as it displays immense potential driven by a young and passionate audience. We believe the extensive broadcast and digital distribution ecosystem of ‘Z’… will play a pivotal role in expanding the reach of football with fans across every part of India,” said Romy Gai, Chief Business Officer, FIFA.

For Z, the development presents a great opportunity to get massive paid subscribers and position itself as a serious player in sports broadcasting by signing up for future years, said Ajimon Francis, Managing Director at Brand Finance India.

“This will definitely give Jio some jitters! And some sigh of relief for the advertiser community from the monopoly they had to deal with. Jio thought they would get to squeeze FIFA, and Prasar Bharati didn’t get approval from the government for funds. For Soccer fans, this is great,” said Francis.

While some said Z will struggle to get advertisers owing to the odd timings of the FIFA matches, Lloyd Mathias, independent business strategist, said the property is too large to be underleveraged.

“It is one of the biggest properties across sports. There will be enough viewers. During the semi-finals and finals, viewership magnifies. Moreover, private broadcaster will have their own innovative avenues,” he said.

Published on June 1, 2026