Media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the FIFA World Cup 2030 remain unsold in India, according to media reports, despite the upcoming 2026 edition being less than a year away.
The sales process, initiated in July 2025 by FIFA, has yet to attract buyers in the Indian market. Sources cited in reports indicate that the governing body has struggled to secure broadcaster interest even after significantly revising the asking price.
The rights valuation is understood to have been reduced sharply from an initial $100 million to approximately $35 million in an effort to revive negotiations.
The 2026 tournament is scheduled to commence on June 11 and will be co-hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico. It will also mark the first edition featuring an expanded format of 48 teams.
The lack of takers highlights the evolving economics of sports broadcasting in India, where broadcasters are increasingly cautious about high-cost global properties amid shifting consumption patterns and monetisation challenges.
