Will DD broadcast FIFA World Cup in India? Delhi High Court seeks channel's response on plea

The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and Prasar Bharati, seeking their response to a plea that urges the national broadcaster to air the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA is yet to finalise a broadcast partner in India for the tournament, which begins in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in just over a month. Reports suggest that Prasar Bharati has shown interest in acquiring the rights, but FIFA continues to wait for a buyer as negotiations remain unresolved.

FIFA World Cup termed a tournament of 'national importance'

According to Bar and Bench, advocate Avdhesh Bairwa filed the petition in the Delhi High Court, pressing for the national broadcaster to telecast the event as it is a "sporting event of national importance."

"The plea specifically seeks telecast of the opening match, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final on free-to-air platforms. As a final relief, the petitioner has urged the Court to direct authorities to secure rights for all 104 matches of the tournament," the publication reported.

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The petitioner has argued that India is one of FIFA’s largest markets and that the failure to broadcast the World Cup would deprive citizens of their fundamental right to access information and sporting events of national importance.

Highlighting the urgency, the plea notes that the tournament kicks off on June 11. The High Court is scheduled to hear the case next week, as per the report.

Given the tournament’s timing in North America, most matches will air late at night or in the early hours in India, seriously reducing viewership. FIFA had initially sought $100 million for media rights in India for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups but has since lowered its demand to around $60 million. However, it is yet to secure a deal. Reports indicate that JioStar offered $20 million, but FIFA has rejected the bid, leaving the deadlock unresolved.