Zee Entertainment has secured the rights to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 38 other FIFA events through 2034, ending a months-long standoff over the tournament’s availability in one of the world’s last major unsold markets.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. FIFA had initially sought around $100 million for the India package covering the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups before reducing its asking price to approximately $60 million, Reuters reported.

The agreement comes just 10 days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

India’s dominant sports broadcaster JioStar, the Reliance-Disney joint venture that aired the 2022 FIFA World Cup through its predecessor Viacom18, had reportedly offered about $20 million for the rights. However, the bid was rejected by FIFA, according to earlier Reuters reports.

Sony, which previously held the broadcast rights for the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups in India, also held discussions regarding the package but ultimately did not submit a bid.

The acquisition marks a significant win for Zee Entertainment as it strengthens its sports broadcasting portfolio with one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. The deal also ensures that Indian football fans will have access to FIFA’s marquee tournaments and events over the next decade.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, making it the largest World Cup in the competition’s history.