FIFA: How to watch it for free in India?
The wait is finally over for football fans in India. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to kick off with an expanded 48-team format
The wait is finally over for football fans in India. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to kick off with an expanded 48-team format, featuring 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While excitement is building around the globe, many Indian fans are asking one question: How can I watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 for free in India?FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcast Rights in IndiaAfter months of uncertainty, Zee Entertainment has secured the official broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India. Fans will be able to watch matches on Zee's newly launched sports channels and stream them live on Zee5.As part of a long-term agreement with FIFA, Zee has also acquired rights to 38 additional FIFA competitions through 2034, strengthening its position in football broadcasting.
131551546All FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be available on Zee's new Unite8 Sports network:* Unite8 Sports 1 (Hindi)* Unite8 Sports 1 HD (Hindi)* Unite8 Sports 2 (English)* Unite8 Sports 2 HD (English)These channels will provide comprehensive coverage of the tournament from the group stage to the final.How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Online in IndiaFans who prefer streaming can watch every match live on Zee5.There are two Zee5 subscription plans: The 3-month plan will cost you Rs 799 while the annual plan will cost you Rs 1,699.The platform will allow viewers to watch matches on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. 131658169But can you watch FIFA World Cup 2026 for free in India?Yes.
Football fans can watch selected FIFA World Cup 2026 matches for free on DD Sports through DD Free Dish.Doordarshan Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast key matches from the tournament, making it the best free option for viewers who do not have access to Zee channels or a Zee5 subscription.Which FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be free on DD Sports?DD Sports will broadcast the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. Besides, it will also telecast quarter-finals, semi-finals and the fiinal match.The tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa will be telecast in India at 12:30 AM IST on June 12.The
knockout-stage matches available on DD Free Dish include:* Quarter-finals: July 9, 10 and 11* Semi-finals: July 14 and 15* Final: July 19FIFA World Cup 2026 FormatThe 2026 edition will be the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four.The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage, creating a new Round of 32 before the traditional Round of 16.With the world's biggest football tournament set to begin, fans in India can now follow every major moment, whether through paid subscriptions or free broadcasts on DD Sports.
The BriefWire