Finally the wait is over… a deal is signed and now ZEE will air the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches live in India from 11 June to 20 July. Now Indian users can watch all group stage and knockout stage matches of FIFA WC 2026 on Unite8 Sports network (TV), ZEE 5 (APP), and the official website, zee5.com.
As shared by Reuters, ZEE has acquired official broadcasting rights to air the FIFA World Cup live in India. The company announced that it will broadcast the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups, 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and other 39 major FIFA events up to 2034.
Additionally, The Times of India has confirmed that ZEE will also telecast the Men’s & Women’s U-17 World Cups, U-20 World Cups, Futsal World Cups and the Intercontinental Cups. Although FIFA has not confirmed the value of this deal, according to insiders… ZEE has signed it all for approximately $35–$40 million—a prudent move!
How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in India on ZEE5?
As ZEE is official digital streaming partner to air FIFA World Cup live in India online in multiple languages. You just need to install the ZEE5 app on your device, such as a smart TV or mobile. With valid subscription plan (Rs 799 for 3 months or Rs 1699/year) you can watch all matches live in high quality with clean audio and Hindi or English commentary. Also you can checkout the FIFA 26 highlights and key moments anytime or watch full recap of game.
Watch on Smart TV / Mobile via ZEE5 App
- First download the streaming app from app store for your Android or iOS based device.
- Install it in your device.
- Sign up via mobile number.
- Subscribe a plan that starts from Rs 799 for 3 month (with ads), and Rs 1699/year ( without ad).
- Now go to the sports section, or click here and watch FIFA World CUP live.
Note: With same subscription plan, you can watch the match on your laptop too. In that case, open zee5.com website, login with mobile number, and watch FIFA WC 2026 live online.
The Zee5 plans are quite sensible and support 4K streaming on 4K device. You can use same account on up to 4 devices and enjoy the FIFA 26 matches.
Last time in 2022, FIFA World Cup was aired on Jiohotstar for free. But this time, you have to pay a small fee to ZEE to watch it live on your TV, Mobile, and Laptop.
In case, if your are facing lag while watching FIFA world cup live on ZEE5- update the app, restart the phone, and stream the content of 4G or 5G network. Apart from that, if broadband/WiFi facility available then switch to WiFi. This will fix the issue quickly and you can enjoy the game!
Watch on Cable TV / Satellite TV
The Cable & Satellite TV users can watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live in India from 11 June to 20 July on Unite8 Sports TV channels in Standard and HD quality. Here’s the list of TV channels:
- Unite8 Sports 1 and Unite8 Sports 1 HD — Hindi commentary
- Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD — English commentary
Earlier there were some speculations that some important FIFA World Cup matches like SemiFinals, Final will be aired for free on DD Sports and DD National. But now it is cleared, ZEE holds the exclusive rights to broadcast FIFA WC 26 in India, so no signal will be shared.
Final Words
The best and most reliable option is to watch FIFA world cup 2026 on ZEE5. On this platform, you can watch the game in high quality up to 4K + enjoy the match commentary in multiple languages. In case if you miss any game, you can re-watch the full match, the highlights, and key moments anytime from anywhere.
In India, the FIFA World Cup broadcast will start from June 11 (with pre-match shows) and run until the final on July 20, across various daytime and night slots. Here is complete information regarding the FIFA 26 match timings (IST):
- Prime Slots: 9:30 PM and 10:30 PM
- Mid-Night to Early Morning: 12:30 AM, 1:30 AM, 3:30 AM, 4:30 AM, and 6:30 AM
- Morning: 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, and 9:30 AM
The final of FIFA WC 26 is scheduled to air on July 19 (July 20 for India) at 12:30 AM IST and you can watch it live on ZEE5 (OTT), and Unite8 Sports 1 & Unite8 Sports 2 (TV).
